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Gulf Today
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Nandana Suresh's school of art is the universal world of Nature
Nandana Suresh is 14 years old, a student in Grade 9 at Leaders Private School, Sharjah, and is already an artist well-known in the UAE's art circles. 'My work celebrates the beauty and essence of Nature,' Nandana says. 'Through various mediums, I aim to capture its harmony, light, and colour, evoking a sense of connection and reflection.' Her parents discovered her passion for art even when she was very young. This, plus the encouragement and guidance she receives from the art teachers in her school, strongly motivate her. She works in different styles and experiments with various mediums including coloured pencils, water colour, acrylics and oil. She participates in exhibitions and workshops and attends classes by established artists, to polish her skills. She also takes tips from reference books and attends online tutorials, to learn new techniques. Practicing sketching is a daily routine for her. A swimming tiger. A few of the exhibitions she has taken part in include Create 2.0 Inter School Art Exhibition & Competition by Artoze (2023); UAE Wonders Unveiled — Love for the UAE Kids' Art Exhibition by Reem Art Gallery (2024); Tranquility — Celebrating Nature's Beauty Art Exhibition by Hayat Arts (2024); Artara 24 Art Exhibition by Jazz Rockers at Al Jalila Cultural Center (2024); Global Art Fusion — Art Beyond Boundaries Art Exhibition by Dubai International Art Center (2024); and Art of Belonging Art Exhibition by Hayat Arts/Cross Borders Gallery (2025). Some of the awards and grants she has won include those at Create 2.0 Inter School Art Exhibition & Competition by Artoze, where she won the first position in the Grade 5 to 8 category (2023); UAE Wonders Unveiled — Love for the UAE Kids' Art Exhibition by Reem Art Gallery, where she was winner (2024); and at the Sharjah Sustainability Award 2023-2024 hosted by Sharjah Environment & Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), where she secured second rank in the category of Outstanding Student for Creative Short Story Writing with Artwork (2024). Eyeing the world. Nandana Suresh speaks to Gulf Today about her life in art Why do you find Nature fascinating? I find Nature fascinating because of its incredible variety and beauty. The different colours, textures and patterns in the world around me constantly inspire my work. Nature has a way of evoking deep emotions, whether it's the calm of a peaceful landscape or the beauty of animals. Nature feels timeless, and it always sparks fresh ideas and connections in my art. Animals symbolise so many things — freedom, power, vulnerability — and I explore these themes in my art. I'm drawn to the expression in their eyes, the details of their fur or feathers, and the natural rhythms they follow. Can you tell us how your family and school have helped you as an artist? My family has always supported my passion for art, encouraging me to explore my creativity and express myself. They have provided me with various opportunities and their belief in my talent gave me the confidence to pursue it. At school, I was lucky to have teachers who recognised my interest in art and pushed me to experiment with different styles and techniques. My online art teacher has also been a huge influence, helping me refine my skills and explore different mediums. Bonding in the forest. How do your classmates look at your work? My classmates often express interest in my artworks, offering positive feedback and asking questions about my process and inspiration. It feels great to have their support. How have senior and established artists helped your career as an artist? They have been a great source of inspiration, mentorship and guidance in my journey as an artist. They've shared valuable advice on various techniques and ideas. Many have offered constructive feedback, which has helped me improve and see my art from new perspectives. Through them, I've learned about the importance of perseverance, patience, and staying true to my inspiration. Additionally, some have introduced me to important art networks and opportunities, helping me expand my reach. A blue phase. Do you think being very young or young is a hindrance to making good art? I do not believe that being young is a hindrance to making good art. I feel younger artists often have fresher ideas and are less nervous to experiment with various mediums and painting styles. Passion and dedication, not age, are what matter most. How have taking part in exhibitions and competitions helped you? They've provided opportunities to showcase my work to a wider audience, adding to my confidence. Exhibitions have allowed me to interact with other artists, art lovers and mentors, creating valuable connections that have expanded my artistic network. Competitions have pushed me to challenge myself, set goals, and improve my skills, as I've often had to work under specific themes or deadlines. Winning or receiving recognition in these events has further motivated me. Nandana Suresh is a recognised artist. How does the Emirates inspire you as an artist? The people in the Emirates and the opportunities here have played a huge role in my development as an artist. The community is very encouraging and there are many opportunities for me to showcase my work, whether through local exhibitions or cultural events, which help me share my art with a wider audience. Various workshops have played a key role in improving my skills, exposing me to new techniques, and encouraging me to explore creative possibilities. The Emirates also offer a creative space where I can learn from others, meet new people, and find inspiration.
Gulf Today
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Hayat Arts hosts show honouring Ramadan, marks first anniversary
In a celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, arts promotion body Hayat Arts, in collaboration with Reem Art Gallery, hosted the IMAN 2nd Edition Group Art Exhibition. It brought together a diverse community of artists, cultural enthusiasts and art supporters. The show was hosted by Safa Peshimam, co-founder of Hayat Arts. Held in honour of the spiritual values of faith, unity, generosity and peace, the IMAN exhibition showcased a collection of artworks reflecting the spirit of Ramadan, through the universal language of art. The evening commenced with a welcome address from Safa Peshimam; it was followed by acknowledging the presence of dignitaries, who added grace and significance to the event. They included Sultana Kazim; Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni; and Anjini Prakash Laitu. The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of the artists, whose work captured the emotional and spiritual beauty of the Holy Month. They included Aida Kalaie; Avigyan Bhattacharya; Banashree Sengupta; Behnaz Zohouri; Dalia Samaa; Dr. Ana Stjelja; Edcel Cabalan; Georgina Burguete; Jaimee Reyes; Rooma Eejaz; Subhani Shaik; Yashi Khatanhar; Sarah Peshimam; and Safa Peshimam. Each artwork offered was a personal interpretation of spirituality, reflection and connection to the divine, aligning with the spirit of Ramadan. 'May this exhibition be a celebration of art, culture and compassion, and may it serve as a reminder of the light we can all share with the world,' said Safa Peshimam, during her closing remarks. A model displays a dress. The evening concluded with an art tour. 'The IMAN 2nd Edition Group Art Exhibition stands as a testament to Hayat Arts' commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity and community through meaningful artistic experiences,' said Sarah Peshimam, co-founder of Hayat Arts. At another event, Hayat Arts marked its 1-Year Anniversary with a bouquet of art, fashion and community initiatives. Titled The One, the programme was held at Cross Borders Art Gallery. 'The One is not merely a celebratory occasion, but a testament to the remarkable journey that Hayat Arts has travelled during such a short span,' said Safa Peshimam. 'This electrifying evening, filled with passion, inspiration, and an overwhelming spirit of artistic collaboration, stands as an undeniable statement of the power of art and its ability to unite diverse communities.' Amidst the presence of prominent dignitaries, renowned artists, fashion designers and a supportive audience of art lovers, The One was noted for its impeccable organisation, high-calibre presentation and the large number of attendees, who had gathered under one roof to celebrate artistic excellence. Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni with his work. Appreciation was extended to Fawad for providing gallery space and to Rayan, for his kind assistance. Artists and art supporters included Yaqoob Al Ali; Sultana Kazim; Hiba; Claudia Pinto; Nada Al Barazi; Tessy Koshy; Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni; Atul Panase; Abeer Abdullah; Sumayra; Mohammed Ali; Anjini Prakash Laitu; Mai Nassr; and Dr. Mariam Shaikh. The night unfolded with a fashion showcase, the Hayat Arts Fashion Show, which blended artistic expression with haute couture. Amanda Kuruvita's collection was marked for its elegance, creativity and storytelling, through kaftan fashion. THV Couture then took the runway, presenting designs in traditional wear. To underscore that art has always been about conversation and a dialogue that transcends boundaries, Hayat Arts organised a panel discussion to complement the art and fashion show. Led by Musab Shaikh, editor of a luxury art and creative magazine, and an artist, art enthusiast and poet, the discussion featured industry luminaries Claudia Pinto, Atul Panase, Nada Al Barazi, and Abeer Abdullah; they spoke about the rapid ascent of Hayat Arts in the UAE's art world. Their insights on inclusivity, art-meets-fashion collaborations, and the platform's transformational impact on the industry, initiated pop-up dialogues on the sidelines. Mai Nassr with her composition. Atul Panase with his watercolour work. The launch of the first Hayat Arts Coffee Table Magazine then took the stage. The volume is a visually rich publication that encapsulates the voyage of Hayat Arts, touching on art thoughts. It also honours art professionals who contribute to the art ecology of the Emirates. Featured artists in the inaugural edition were recognised for their work, which spans diverse themes and techniques. They include Aakanksha Kshatriya; Edcel Cabalan; Faezeh Mohammed; Fatima Ahmed; Jaimee Reyes; Neda Godrazi; Radha Bhatia; and Waaris Hasan. 'Artists have always been the soul of Hayat Arts, and the evening is a celebration of their talent, resilience, and boundless creativity,' said Safa Peshimam. From painters and sculptors to digital artists and calligraphy masters, the room was filled with individuals whose art has made notable contributions to the art scene. Honourable guests led the way in recognising the gifted individuals. The energy in the room was electric and the applause that filled the space, acknowledged each artist's drive and hard work. MUST MUST: Safa Peshimam (left) and Sarah Peshimam. A surprise element of the evening was the launch of 'Behind the Fashionable Drapes' volume authored by Parvez Ahmed. It is an insightful literary work celebrating fashion, art, and storytelling. The Allegiance Award was bestowed on Edcel Cabalan — a dedicated artist, and an integral part of Hayat Arts since its inception. Special recognition was given to DXB 24 LIVE – Media Partner; Harshavardhan Ashok – Photography Partner; and Aafrin Fatema and Viktoriia Platner – Makeup artists. Partners unable to be present, including Clayed by Rasha (Gifting Partner), SDLuxury Magazine (Magazine Partner), UAE Stories (Media Partner), and The Times of UAE (Media Partner), were also remembered. The night culminated in an immersive art trek where guests were taken on a tour through the creations of 25 artists, hailing from around the world.
