Shanaya Purohit illuminates the art world with her talented brush

Shanaya Purohit, who has been given the pet name “Dia” by her family, is a ten year old girl artist whose versatile art making has marked her out in the world of art, even at a young age. “Dia” means “lamp” in Hindi, and she is called so by her family, as they believe she has illuminated their home and its surroundings. Besides art, Shanaya has a passion for music. A student in Grade 4, DPS Sharjah, she has been participating in international art exhibitions since age five. Some of the noteworthy exhibitions include UNESCO Club exhibition at Athens, Greece (2023), COP28 exhibition in Dubai with Sharjah Tourism and UAE National Day exhibition with Ajman Tourism Department.

Molly Bretton, Royal Academy of Arts, UK, says that children’s art has its own distinct value, and has to be respected for itself, since it equips young artists with opportunities to know, understand, exchange and develop cultural expressions among and for themselves. “Child art was not thought of as “true” art,” she says. “We still all too readily judge child art against our own adult standards. The next step is for us to celebrate child art in its own right.” One such step has already been taken.

Portraits by Shanaya Purohit.

The International Museum of Children’s Art in Oslo, Norway, regards children’s art as an important part of national and universal culture. Rafael Goldin, film director and founder of the museum, summed it up: “It is said that children are people. But, people do not exist without a culture. Children are people who belong to the future. And they have the right to their own culture, their own art and history.

“Children are people — not pre-people — and their creativity forms a crucial part of the diverse range of human expression. Appreciating art made by children opens our minds to better understanding and respect for all art, all children, and all artists. Let’s build a richer art world that respects and celebrates children’s part in human creativity.” During a tour of an exhibition of children’s art, Picasso said: “When I was the age of these children, I could draw like Raphael. It took me many years to learn how to draw like these children.” Given the above thoughts, Shanaya Purohit and others of her age do not lack strong spokespersons to speak for them. Shanaya herself talks to Gulf Today

Why do you like art?

Art gives me freedom and I love to paint my world the way I wish. It gives me happiness and peace.

What attracts you to bright colours?

I prefer using bright and bold colours because they reflect my personality. I don’t fear using them. It’s like flying in a beautiful world through art. I enjoy playing with colours freely.

Where do you find your artistic inspirations?

I find my artistic inspirations from my story books, classic art by legendary artists and from the exhibitions I attend with my mother (well-known UAE based artist, Sonal Purohit).

Shanaya Purohit at work.

Does your mother help you in your work?

My mother, as you say, is a well-known artist and she brings me canvases and colours. She gives suggestions sometimes, but most of the time I paint from my perceptions. My mother lets me paint whichever way I want. Art for me is my world, and I enjoy making it.

Would you like to be a professional artist?

I enjoy painting and I love this beautiful world. I wish to be an artist who can also sing in concerts, play piano as well as help people in whichever way possible.

Who are the artists you like? Why do you like their work?

I love Picasso and Vincent van Gogh. I have tried to recreate the classic Mona Lisa many times. Sunflowers by van Gogh is a very joyous theme. His nature art is wonderful and has inspired me a lot. These are the legends who have left their mark in the world. I love their art and I try to learn from them by practicing more and more.

How does your school encourage you as an artist?

My school, DPS Sharjah, has been very encouraging. The art teacher teaches us different techniques to improve our work. I have learnt much from inter-house competitions.

How do you assist the PaintBrush Art Community, founded by your parents?

I am one of the youngest artists in the PaintBrush Art Community and all the senior artists have always showered their love on me. The artists there are very supportive and have always encouraged my work. I help my mother, who is the CEO of PaintBrush Art Community, in my small ways. I give her my ideas and help her with the technology. I always accompany her during events and help her to set them up.

What is your message for young artists?

My message for young artists is to keep practicing your art without expecting anything. If you work with your heart, your art would get you appreciation and accolades. Focus, practice and enjoy what you do. Art always gives happiness to the artist as well as to those who view it. So, let us all spread art in the world and make it a happy place to live. The world needs peace and art can spread the message of peace. If we all come together and raise the message of compassion and empathy, it would help the world to heal.