Words by Jumana
If one is master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time insight into and understanding of many things.
On the first of June, the massive brown doors to the National Art Gallery swung open to reveal a world “Through the eyes of Van Gogh”. Starry nights and bright hues galore, about 605 artists locally and from around the world attempted to pay homage to the brilliant painter and bring to life his vision from the 1800s. The wheels behind this beautiful event is none other than the local art pillar, Muse @Muse_MV.
Muse, to many in the Maldivian artist community, is like a strong and steady canvas that readies itself for all the vibrancy that the artist has to offer. We chatted with founder and owner of Muse, Ahmed Azmee (Baachy) to find out the makings of such a wonderful event.
“I decided to take part in the exhibition with the deadline about only five days away and set a goal and worked extremely hard to be able to submit this artwork. It showed me the power of focus and intent. I also did a lot of heavy research on Van Gogh and his artworks -including the two starry night paintings in order to do my piece. I learned a lot of interesting things like how his brush work was influenced by the depression he was going through. I want to thank Muse for this wonderful opportunity. Even when the deadline was so close and I called and asked if I could submit a piece, I received so much love and support from them. Really appreciate it”
Muse has quite literally been a home to art and the artists since it opened its doors last December. Baachy noted how any artist is always welcome to stop by and do their artwork inside the store during opening hours when there aren’t any classes going on. He noted, “Sometimes an artist just needs the space, and is welcome to do so”. Muse is also the gateway to coloring many a burgeoning artist’s dream, with weekend classes and kids classes in specialties like ‘Basic Manga Drawing class’ and ‘Art with Acrylics for Kids
“Necessity is the mother of invention” afterall, and Muse looked to provide where several art supplies and materials were difficult to acquire in Maldives. The store also had one more goal in mind, almost six years in the making; to foster and support artists in the community and be able to showcase their creativity.
“Although I made a good effort on the painting, I was not expecting to win a prize. Having my painting be exhibited in the national art gallery was an opportunity in itself. It was inspiring to see the beautiful works of other artists as well. I am grateful for the opportunity given by Muse and even more grateful for the achievement”
It was in early January when the theme of “Through the eyes of Van Gogh” came to fruition and the exhibition was announced locally and internationally. The response was enormous and the deadline was pushed back several times. The exhibition launched after more than 320 international artists and 285 local applicants tried their hand at this theme.
“My painting is of the view of Sinamale’ Bridge. I wanted to base van Gogh’s famous starry night in the context of Male’. It’s great that Muse organized their first ever exhibition on such a quintessential topic. I was particularly happy seeing the enthusiasm shown by the public. I wasn’t expecting that and I loved seeing everyone’s reactions to the opulent paintings in the gallery, their observations and also their interpretations. My brother and I loved participating!”
Baachy noted how the exhibition has received an overwhelming response with more and more visitors filling in every day to enjoy the 87 pieces that made it to display. Much to the joy of artists and aesthetes, the exhibition itself has also been extended several times and will now officially end on 11 June instead. While several pieces have already been sold, artists kept a hundred percent of the earnings from sales themselves. Looking ahead, some pieces on display may very well be going on their own tour through the resorts and islands of Maldives as Muse is currently welcoming any parties who wish to host this traveling exhibit.
Muse is truly living up to its namesake, as it serves as a support and ‘muse’ to the local artist community. Mini exhibitions are always welcome -completely free of charge- at the location where a wall is dedicated to displaying pieces as well. Bolstering artists are in the soul of the beginnings of Muse and it has remained true to this goal
With Hishban and Eema along with Baachy, a team of only three people at the location undertook and successfully executed all the logistics and vision of a successful international art exhibition. Artists can already get excited for the next one, with another similar exhibition on the way for next year as well.
The event would not have been possible without the hard work of Iffa, Raaif, Zaha, Aaish and Jashaa. He also wanted to thank Erra, Lulu, Samara and Mustafa for the photography and videography as well as Simhaq, who brought to life the art on promotional ads and noted the exceptional aid of sponsors, Digital Partner Ooredoo Maldives, Powered by Fenaka Corporation, Printing Partner Think Advertising as well as the National Art Gallery for providing a home for the art pieces. Baachy thanked the judging panel, the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Yumna Maumoon as well as Hussain and Amru from NCA.
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