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For the past 23 years, she has created art exclusively using three unique tones of unmixed blue.

For Samah, the inspiration behind this exhibition, Prelude, is personal. “I’ve always loved the sea, even as a child,” she shares. “It’s about the calmness and silence. Malé is very busy and loud, and I'm someone who needs that solitude... Swimming lets me put my head underwater and experience silence—it brings me peace.”

There is one section of the exhibition holding canvases bathed in turquoise. "The turquoise ones especially (were painted) just after a swim at the artificial beach. I would come into the studio and start painting..."

The link between her surroundings and her artwork is unmistakable, with each piece capturing the essence of water in motion, like a fleeting memory. Prelude embodies both her deep affection for the sea and her longing for solitude.

This latest collection follows her previous exhibition, Towards Solitude, and continues her exploration of solitude and silence.

A Unique Creative Process

Samah’s artistic process is as fluid as her subject matter. She works instinctively, laying her canvas flat and using a metal tool to push layers of paint back and forth. Her primary medium is liquin, a fast-drying oil medium that allows for rapid experimentation.

Samah explained that she doesn't go into the studio with a set idea. She picks the colours, and the painting tells her when it’s done. It’s all instinct.

While she has a background in traditional art—having trained in life drawing, still life, and sculpture—her transition to abstraction happened almost by accident. Initially working with representational depictions of the ocean, she found herself drawn to abstraction in 2020.

Reflecting on her transition to contemporary art in 2020, Samah shared with amusement: "I just didn't want to mess up my bathroom by washing the brushes. Sometimes I didn't go into the studio because I couldn't be bothered to do that. There was a piece of metal lying around, and I thought I'll move the paint with it. And I just loved the marks it was making. So I just naturally kind of went into it, really. Abstract art was something I was hoping to get into.”

Contemporary Art in the Maldives

Abstract art is still finding its footing in the Maldives. While younger artists are beginning to explore contemporary styles, Samah notes that many still prefer traditional art. “Abstract art can be difficult to get into,” she says. Even when she visited galleries in the UK, it took her a while to appreciate it fully. Samah noted that it’s nice to see younger local artists trying out more contemporary styles.

Although she has exhibited internationally, her solo exhibitions have always been in the Maldives. When asked about challenges, she keeps it simple: “The biggest challenge for me is just going into the studio and actually doing the work."

"Obviously any artist would want to sell their work, but them just being hanged on a gallery wall is good enough for me."

Despite her experience, Samah admits she’s still nervous about showcasing her work. Yet, standing in front of her pieces—each a wave of blue, a moment of stillness—it’s clear that she has created something deeply personal and undeniably captivating.

Her exhibition at Gallery 350 is a reminder of the ocean’s quiet strength, the solace it provides, and the beauty of losing oneself in its depths.

Prelude will be on view at the Gallery 350 (next to Meraki) through 6 April.

Opening Hours:
Saturday to Thursday 09:00 - 23:00
Friday 14:00 - 22:00

To view more of Samah's artworks, please visit: https://www.instagram.com/backtoblue007/