advertisement

It shows a surreal scene where a man holds an umbrella over a woman who is seated and praying, while a mirror shows a reflection of a man in the same praying pose, all set against a vivid blue background.

The painting, a departure from his usual style, evokes a sense of interconnectedness between actions and consequences, a visual meditation on the ripple effects of kindness and wrongdoing.

"What I wanted to show in this painting is that any kind act you do for someone is also a kindness to yourself, and the opposite is true as well: any wrong you do to another is also a wrong you do to yourself."

Raif's artistic journey, much like his paintings, is a story of evolution and exploration. While he is a prolific souvenir artist, his true passion lies beneath the ocean's surface.

"I've always loved drawing underwater and sea life," Raif reveals. His fascination with marine life blossomed during his freediving adventures, where he witnessed the vibrant underwater world in its unfiltered glory.

"Freediving is very different from scuba diving," he explains. "There's more freedom, and sea life comes much closer to you. I wanted to capture the details of the marine life that I saw up close."

Raif's underwater paintings are not mere reproductions of photographs but rather interpretations of his personal experiences. He strives to convey the subtle nuances of light, color, and movement that can only be fully appreciated through firsthand observation.

His dedication to art extends beyond the canvas. As a founding member of MAC, Raif has played a pivotal role in nurturing the Maldivian art scene. He has curated exhibitions, taught workshops, and led the creation of vibrant murals across the islands.

Raif's involvement in the Rinbudhoo mural project, a collaboration between MAC and the Rinbudhoo Council, exemplifies his commitment to community engagement and the power of art to inspire tourism and local pride.

"When the mural went viral on Twitter and Instagram," Raif recalls, "it wasn't just foreigners but locals who visited the island to see it. That showed us there are more people who appreciate art."

Raif sees a bright future for Maldivian art, believing that artists are actively "exploiting all cultural and beauty aspects of the Maldives." He encourages emerging artists to develop their unique styles and experiment with new forms of expression.

"In a group exhibition like this," Raif observes, "you can often recognize an artist's work without even reading the description. Artists have really honed their unique styles."

The Unveiling Visions exhibition, a cherished project for Raif and MAC, has become a vital platform for both emerging and established artists. It provides a space for creative expression, fostering a sense of community and artistic dialogue.

Raif acknowledges the challenges faced by artists in the Maldives, including limited exhibition space and the need for more studio workspaces. However, he remains hopeful and advocates for continued support from government institutions to nurture the artistic talent that thrives in the island nation.

To aspiring artists, Raif offers this simple yet profound advice: "Practice"

He shares his own experience of honing his skills through relentless dedication and perseverance.

"Even if you make something bad or ugly or nice, always keep practicing," he emphasizes. "It doesn't always have to be pretty."

Through his art, Raif invites us to dive into the depths of the Maldivian seascape, to witness the intricate beauty of marine life, and to contemplate the interconnectedness of our actions. His artistic journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the enduring allure of the underwater world.

The Unveiling Visions Exhibition, organised by the Maldivian Artists Community (MAC), is being held at the National Art Gallery in Male' from 9th July to 21st July.