Multiple features, many influences join in harmony on Wardah Asad’s canvas

Wardah Asad has a deep love for art. “I am emotional about art and have the goal of turning it into a career,” she says. “I enjoy travelling with my family and capturing the beauty of Nature.” A Golden Visa holder, she has won the Honorable Mention Award at the 11th 2024 International Juried Art Competition, USA, and also was a winner of the Honorable Mention Award at the 8th Color 2024 International Juried Art Competition, USA. She has been conferred the Certificate of Participation in the exhibition PINKtober, Dubai, and also received the Certificate of Participation at Nature’s Rhythm art exhibition held at DIAC, Dubai, along with the Certificate of Participation in an art exhibition hosted by Funun Arts Group, Dubai.

“I am a self-taught artist inspired by the beauty of Nature with animals, especially horses, playing a central role in my work,” says Wardah. “Horses captivate me with their elegance, strength, and grace, and I aim to reflect that through my art. I believe that art is a true reflection of the artist, and my work also embodies the quiet beauty of everyday life I see in the world around me, that often goes unnoticed. Art, for me, is a way to appreciate and share these wonders around us. For me, it is about capturing what words cannot describe — moments, emotions, and the stories that deserve to be celebrated. In addition to my nature-inspired pieces, I also create Islamic artwork, including calligraphy, which allows me to express the beauty of Islam.” Wardah Asad is interviewed by Gulf Today

How did you learn about art, being self-taught?

I learned about art through a combination of exploration, experimentation, and passion. Being self-taught allowed me the freedom to learn at my own pace, experiment with different techniques, and discover what resonates most with me. Every piece I create is a reflection of that journey, as I continue to grow and evolve as an artist.

Are you inspired by the history and romance of Islamic civilisation?

The rich artistic traditions, calligraphy, and spiritual depth of Islamic art, have always fascinated me. In my home country, Pakistan, Islamic calligraphy, especially writing Quranic verses in beautiful Arabic scripts, is quite popular. As I work with Arabic calligraphy, I gain a deeper understanding of Quranic verses, enriching both my art and my knowledge.

A composition by Wardah Asad.

What are the aspects of Nature that strike you as fitting for art?

For me, Nature offers endless inspiration for art through its beauty, diversity, and harmony. It inspires my art through its colours, the beauty of animals, especially the elegance of horses. The vibrant hues of sunsets, deserts, and skies evoke strong emotions, while the grace and strength of horses offer a timeless subject for my work.

When you draw a horse, what are its characteristics you want to bring out?

The most important characteristic I want to bring out is the eyes. A horse’s eyes are full of expression and capture its spirit, making them the focal point of a painting. They convey a sense of depth and emotion, which is what I focus on the most. The eyes give life to the horse and help establish a connection between the viewer and the artwork. Additionally, the horse’s hair is another key feature I emphasise. The flowing mane not only enhances a horse’s beauty, but also adds movement and elegance, making it appear more alive and dynamic.

The horse's mane suggests movement.

Do you see art as separate entities – Nature, horses, calligraphy – or are they a harmonious whole on your canvas?

For me, art is not about separating elements. I see them as interconnected parts that come together on the canvas. Each element enhances the other, and creates a unified piece. Whether it’s the grace of horses, the symbolism of calligraphy, or the beauty of Nature, they all work in harmony to express deeper meanings and emotions. On my canvas, features flow together, creating a cohesive and powerful artwork.

Can you tell us about your life as an artist in Pakistan?

I am struck by the colours of Pakistani truck art and as a Pakistani artist living in the United Arab Emirates, feel a great sense of pride representing my art here. Being able to showcase my work in the UAE and having it appreciated by a diverse audience, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a beautiful feeling to see how art can transcend boundaries and connect people from various walks of life.

Wardah Asad is based in the UAE.

How different and same are Pakistani and Emirati art?

Pakistani and Emirati art share a love for culture, history and spirituality, but they differ in style and influences. Both cultures use Islamic calligraphy, though Pakistani art is influenced by Mughal and Persian traditions, while Emirati art incorporates Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns. Both art forms celebrate beauty, spirituality and cultural identity, showing pride in their heritage.

What are your art plans for the next 25 years?

25 years is a long time, but when I think about my future, one thing I am certain of is that I do not want to stop creating art. Art always feels like home — it’s a way to express my thoughts, and it brings a sense of peace. I envision evolving my style, exploring new mediums, and sharing my art with even more people across different cultures. The journey of growth, learning, and connecting with others through art, is something I look forward to.