From drawing on walls to painting the world: Nazmin Rasheed’s story
- 15 hours ago
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Nazmin Rasheed, 10, a student in Grade 5 of Global Indian School, Ajman, has been in love with art since she was half her age. “I first got recognition for my wall art in which I transformed my little brother’s scribbled lines on it into beautiful art and was featured on UAE channel, UBL TV,” she remembers. “My artistic endeavours have been nurtured and supported by the unwavering encouragement of my family, particularly my mother,” she adds. Her preferred mediums are acrylic paints, water colours, oil pastels and charcoal - she enjoys blending modern and classical styles “to create art that resonates with people through universal themes.”
Nature and architecture are her muse, and she draws inspiration from the style of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. Her admiration for Van Gogh often leads her to produce works after his manner, but with a modern twist. She is called “little Van Gogh” by her friends – something in which she finds immense pride and joy. Architectural paintings are among her favourites, also because they allow her to dream about the places she wishes to visit. “I find solace in painting outdoors, where each stroke on canvas brings a feeling of healing,” says Nazmin.
Her creative journey extends not only to painting on canvas, but also to crafting, clay modelling and mehndi (henna) art, among others. She paints on wood, cardboard, shells, shoes, and leather bags too. Let Nazmin take the floor. “My art,” she says, “inspired by Van Gogh’s bold strokes and love for nature and architecture, merges classic techniques with a modern edge. Using unconventional canvases like palm leaves, cardboard, shells and bottles, I add a unique touch to my artpieces. Each creation is a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation, inviting viewers to experience the beauty of nature through a fresh perspective. I say, Art is storytelling in colour.”
When she takes part in competitions, she studies the topics, jotting down points in her art diary and later incorporating them into her creations. “I’ve had the opportunity to do many live paintings, including at World Art Dubai and during a show hosted by First Wish Art Gallery,” she says. “I am a proud representative of Hayat Arts, one of the leading art promotion bodies in the UAE. I’m also honoured to be the youngest accredited Humanitarian Ambassador of Two Visions, conferred by Human Vision Art Exhibition in Dubai at the beginning of this month. I’ve received the Best Child Artist Award, the Exceptionally Talented Award, and an honorary award from the Italian International School Abu Dhabi.”
But she is being modest here. Actually, awards and recognitions have come by the truckload for her. Among which are: Artoze Interschool Art Exhibition and Competition (2023), winner; Burjeel Little Artist, winner (2019); National Level Short Video Contest (2020), winner; Skssf Swargalaya National Level (Painting and Drawing, 2021), winner; Kerala Health Expo - Painting (2022), runner-up; Mental Health Awareness painting competition, winner; UAE national skssf Ajman zone, pencil drawing, winner; UAE national skssf Ajman zone, painting, winner; and Kerala Property Expo Painting (2022), winner. She has also collaborated with art brands like Staedtler, Camlin, Maped, Zensangam and fashion brands like Inddus and Chicpoint.
Her artistic journey, says Nazim, “is a constant exploration. I aspire to grow by embracing new techniques, exploring galleries, collaborating with renowned artists, and being a source of inspiration for young artists like myself. The dream that fuels my passion is to showcase my works in numerous international exhibitions and introduce my art to the entire world.” She has participated in over 15+ global exhibitions now. A journey in art that began with her parents encouraging her wall art, has given her the freedom and tools to explore her passion for expression. “My art not only reflects my creativity, but also addresses important social and environmental issues,” Nazmin notes. “Through my paintings, I aim to raise awareness and encourage positive change in the world.”
As a social media influencer with 85 k+ followers – she always shares her work on social media - she loves connecting with her audience and hearing their feedback. “It’s inspiring to see many young and adult artists come forward in the art world, and it’s a joy to know that my hard work inspires them,” Nazmin says. “My goal is to continue encouraging creativity, spreading positivity and inspiring action through art.” Vincent van Gogh, who Nazmin considers a model, enjoyed making paintings of children, notes Wikipedia. He once said that it was the only thing that “excites me to the depths of my soul, and which makes me feel the infinite more than anything else.”
Painting children, in particular, represented rebirth and the infinite to Van Gogh. In his career, he did not make many paintings of children - but those he completed were special to him. During his time in Auvers, on the outskirts of Paris, Van Gogh rented a room at the inn of Arthur Ravoux, whose thirteen-year-old daughter, Adeline, sat for a painting. “She was very proud to sit for the painting (she sat just once, but three paintings were made of her) she described as a “symphony in blue”. Van Gogh thought she was sixteen, but she was just thirteen years of age at the time,” says Wikipedia.
