Words by Imala

When we say art, there are so many ways that it could be defined. It’s a skill that is creatively accumulated in order to showcase one’s talent in different aspects. It could be described as a way of executing a feeling, a vision into life through an individual’s imagination.

Hence, we saw the creativity of our local artists at the Unveiling Vision Art Exhibition organized by the Maldivian Artist Community. They have come a long way by giving a lot of opportunities to the artists of Maldives since their first exhibition held in 2016.

As we walked through the art gallery surrounded by many fine pieces of art created by many talented artists, one art piece on a wall caught our eye. It was a 5ft by 6.5ft, 3D masterpiece which was truly mesmerizing to look at. It was the piece that was awarded as the Most Vibrant Artist in the Mix Media Category at the exhibition.

“My name is Aishath Sajiyaan Abdul Sattar, but since I was a kid people know me as Yaana/Yaan. I am currently working as a seaplane pilot in Manta Air. Both Art and Flying are my passion as well as careers. Since childhood I have always been into art as my mom was really into it as well, I definitely got the creative mind from her. She always encouraged my sister and I to do art since we were so little, so I really don’t remember a time when I was not into art. But as far as I can remember, the first artwork I think I did was actually a drawing. I took part in competition’s in primary and won a few times too. But when I went to secondary I took a step back from art. I would still do it in private in my sketchbook but just not for the public eye.” The 25 year old young artist shared about herself.

After graduating from Aminiya, Yaan headed to Malaysia for her Alevels. After completing her Alevels she then came back and had to wait around 2 years or so before going for her pilot studies due to financial reasons. It was during this time that Yaan started to draw with some friends and it was like the first time she drew in-front of people in five years. And eventually, Yaan and her friends started a joint page called @alhiarts in instagram which shows individual work of each artist. “Alhiarts would always have a special place in my heart.” Yaan received a lot of opportunities after her work got recognized through the page. “I got my first solo from Lecute. Then the second solo at Gloria Jeans. I also got the chance to go to Kandima Resort for three consecutive years to display my work and do live art, all of which were opportunities offered to me by MAC. My first installation work was with HDC that I had done for Central Park in Hulhumale’. That work is always going to be close to my heart. That piece has some really fond memories that I will always cherish. I am really glad that it is still there.” Yaan said with a grin.

Even when Yaan was training to become a pilot she managed to do a lot of commission work by traveling between Male’ and Addu almost every month in order to pursue her passion for art. When asked whether she has a specific style of artwork, Yaan replied, “I was actually developing a style all these years and I think I have finally done it which is portraits with an antique feel to it that also shows realism about it.”

As for her inspiration, Yaan said,”I don’t have a specific artist for inspiration, but I do have some artists who I think of as my motivation. One of them would be Iphpha. He is one of the best in Maldives, he’s the first Asian who painted underwater, and that was something really amazing that he did. Then there’s Shaffoceans and Kurahaa Raape, they’re legends in the world of art in Maldives, I always look up to them and love hearing their reviews about my art. All 3 of them have seen me when I started and seen me grow. I appreciate all their advice and support through all these years of my Art career. There’s so many more local artists that inspire me every day, and I want to name them all but it would take me the whole day if I were to.”

Since she had joined her job recently, it has been very challenging for her in managing her time. “I make sure I get 8 hours sleep everyday as it’s a requirement for my job as well as something I want too.” During the same period she did her masterpiece for UV which took her two weeks to finish off. During those two week she would finish her work and go directly to her rented place in-order to create her artwork for UV. “I actually didn’t have any time to do anything else during that period. It was just work and my UV project. Those two weeks were like my quarantine.” Yaan ended with a laugh.

About the art community in Maldives, Yaan had nothing but praise for the whole community. “Everyone is really supportive in the art community. Each and everyone is always ready to help whenever it is needed.” As for the challenges the art community had faced, Yaan credits MAC for not giving up and giving the recognition the artists is getting today. “MAC plays a huge role in what I am today. And also of course, my mom! There’s no one else that deserves more credit than her ”

Moreover, Yaan talked about her latest piece that won her Most Vibrant Artist award. “I named the painting ‘Udhuhila’ for a lot of personal reasons that also has a lot to do with my flying career. But also because flying, for me, gives me the same kind of relief and serenity as with floating. I wanted to make an art piece that would portray the feeling of “relief” for the viewers after seeing it. Hence, I asked people before they read the description what they think about it and I got responses like “peaceful” and “calmness”. So I am happy that I got to convey the message I had intended to.”

For the future of the art community, Yaan has high hopes that art would get more appreciation from the public. “We have this fear, that people might not appreciate our work because we put so much effort and hard work into it. We do not want to have the fear that could it be sold or not. In Maldives we still don’t get that assurance because people still don’t look up to art at the level that it should be looked upon. But throughout the year, it has been getting better. The support and love for art surely is growing in our community. There is still a long long way to go, but I’m grateful for the progress”

For the future of the art community, Yaan has high hopes that art would get more appreciation from the public. “We have this fear, that people might not appreciate our work because we put so much effort and hard work into it. We do not want to have the fear that could it be sold or not. In Maldives we still don’t get that assurance because people still don’t look up to art at the level that it should be looked upon. But throughout the year, it has been getting better. The support and love for art surely is growing in our community. There is still a long long way to go, but I’m grateful for the progress”

Yaan’s final piece of advice to artists or anyone who wish to pursue any kind of artwork is, “Never give up because I started small too. People didn’t know me before and there were times people didn’t like my art. Once you set that goal, work hard till you achieve it. Don’t take it to heart by people’s negative comments. Take it as a challenge and try to improve it more. Keep on working doing what you love.”

On that note, we would like to congratulate Yaan on her success and reach new heights in succeeding her goals.