News Desk
As I step into the National Art Gallery in Malé on this balmy August afternoon, the air hums with a quiet energy. The IHUSAAS exhibition, running from August 6th to 16th, fills the space with Abdullah Faiz’s vibrant canvases—oils that pulse with color and memory, drawing visitors into worlds both familiar and far-flung. Faiz himself is here, moving between admirers with the easy grace of someone who’s spent a lifetime translating emotions into brushstrokes.
Born and raised in Malé, he’s built a career paying tribute to the Maldives’ beauty and culture, while venturing into diverse landscapes from around the globe. His impressionist style, honed from early foundations in art, brings a nostalgic vibrance to every piece, using rich palettes and expressive strokes that make the ordinary feel alive. We find a quiet corner amid the crowd, and I ask him about the title that ties it all together.
“IHUSAAS translates to ‘feelings’ or ’emotions,'” Faiz explains, his eyes lighting on a nearby painting of sun-dappled waves. “It captures the essence of this exhibition. I strive to execute my work with feeling, care, and a free mind. I seek to touch the hearts of viewers, collectors, and art enthusiasts with my art.”
His themes roam freely, unbound by time or place, as he tells me. “I love exploring memories and nostalgia in my paintings, often using visual documentation as references,” he says. “I don’t let my themes be limited by location, which allows my creativity to transcend borders, connecting with people from diverse cultures. You can view some of these paintings in IHUSAAS.”
Indeed, the collection here spans Maldivian seascapes to hints of worldly wanderings, each one evoking a sense of tranquility that lingers.
Influences? Faiz lights up at the question. “I am particularly fascinated by the charm of impressionism,” he shares. “Both classical and contemporary artists inspire me, to create unique and exclusive artworks. My focus is on the overall mood and feeling of a piece, rather than getting caught up in minute details.” It’s evident in the bold, layered strokes that define his work—oils on canvas or boards, built with large brushes, quick gestures, and the best materials he can source.
“I’ve found that the desire for better materials grows as you progress,” he adds, gesturing to the textured surfaces around us. “I use lots of color, quick and bold strokes, and several layers of paint.” We talk about his past successes, like the 2023 exhibition Journey, which drew crowds with its nostalgic pull. “The success of Journey can be attributed to several factors,” Faiz reflects. “The themes of nostalgia and memory, along with my own impressionist style, were highly appealing to viewers. Also, the strong support from the art community and positive responses from collectors contributed immensely to its popularity.”
His international forays—solo shows at the JDA Perera Gallery in Sri Lanka, appearances at World Art Dubai—have only sharpened his edge. “My experience with international platforms has been immensely enriching,” he says, “enabling me to raise my standards and gain opportunities and recognition. Engaging with diverse audiences enriches your perspective and fosters meaningful connections with various cultures.” And the tourism tie-in feels natural here in the Maldives. “Absolutely,” Faiz nods when I bring it up. “I am already collaborating with the tourism industry by hosting exhibitions at resorts. This partnership not only enriches the visitor experience but also allows me to present my art to a discerning international audience, all within the Maldives.” This global outlook fuels his creative wanderlust, with a bucket list that reflects his impressionist passion for capturing light and fleeting moments.
He dreams of painting in New Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village, where the vibrant mix of historic ruins, shimmering lake, and bustling galleries promises endless inspiration. Agra’s Taj Mahal, with its luminous marble glowing under changing skies, is another must-visit, says Faiz, for its timeless beauty.
Beyond India, Faiz is drawn to Cairo’s Old City, eager to translate its ancient, textured streets into impressionist brushstrokes, and to Paris’s Latin Quarter, where the Seine’s reflections and bohemian cafes echo the spirit of Monet and Renoir. “These places,” he says, “are where history and atmosphere collide, I want my art to breathe their essence.”
As we wrap up, surrounded by pieces that seem to breathe with life, I ask what he hopes people carry away. “Visitors to IHUSAAS can expect to take away not just beautiful artwork but also feel a profound sense of connectivity,” he replies. “My pieces are designed to evoke positive feelings of nostalgia and tranquillity. Each painting tells a story, inviting viewers to find their own meaning and memories, while they would make any space feel more inviting and alive.” Faiz, still based in Malé, is already eyeing new collections for future shows. In this gallery, his art doesn’t just hang; it connects, pulling us into shared emotions that feel timeless.
