Indian artist exhibits love for Zayed
abu dhabi — Indian expat Habeeb Rahman devotes most of his free time painting portraits of the UAE leaders, especially the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — his hero.
Rahman has done some 51 paintings of Sheikh Zayed, seven portraits of each emirate’s ruler, Sheikh Shakbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and one on then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s visit to the UAE.
Rahman’s each frame has a story to tell. And even his life is filled with tales.
“I was just four when my father, who was then working in Abu Dhabi, told me about Sheikh Zayed. He told me that Sheikh Zayed is the reason for happiness in most families across Kerala. And while growing up, I realised what my late father said is very true. I don’t have great knowledge but whatever I have heard and read about Sheikh Zayed was inspiring. His vision has turned a desert into a world-class country. He is a larger than life figure. And since this is the ‘Year of Zayed’, these works are my return gift from India to the UAE. ‘From India with much love’ is my concept to pay tribute to Baba Zayed and the UAE,” he said, showing the works exhibited at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre.
A dilemma and a wish
Rahman’s artwork process started in January and he collected some 130 photos by searching online. His works done using stone grey water colour on hand-made paper also include pre-oil era scenes and Sheikh Zayed with young Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Some of his works took more than a week to finish.
However, now he is in a dilemma. “I have spent over Dh15,000 to frame these paintings. Once this exhibition is over today, I don’t know where to keep them. So far all paintings were paper, but now they are framed.”
And he has a wish too. “All these paintings should stay in Abu Dhabi. I want to present these to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. These can be preserved at an art gallery. I also want this to be featured at the Sharjah International Book Fair.”