Ihusaas: Faiz’s Homage to Maldivian Heritage
“My interest is in reconstructing historical places and showcasing them to the public, especially to young people, to showcase these through my paintings,” says Maldivian artist Abdulla Faiz, regarding his latest solo exhibition, currently on display in the National Art Gallery in Male’ City. With 53 oil-on-canvas pieces, the exhibition pays tribute to the beauty of both old and new, reconstructing familiar sights in strikingly evocative ways. From sunsets over the islands to the smallest details of everyday life, Faiz invites viewers to reconnect with their culture and history through art.
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
A Window into Maldivian Life
The exhibition features a mix of personal and cultural subjects. Faiz captures local life in its many forms, boats at sea, the local market, and sunset over Male’. One piece depicts a sai hota in Male’ during the 1960s—a bustling café, known locally as a hotel, where businessmen and workers gathered daily for drinks and snacks. As the title piece reminds viewers, “The building still stands,” highlighting Faiz’s aim: to reveal the beauty that surrounds us, often overlooked but very much present.
Originally scheduled to run from 6–16 August, Ihusaas has now been extended to 18 August. Entry is free, offering art lovers a final chance to experience this captivating journey.
An Artist’s Journey
Born in Male’, Faiz discovered his passion for art early. Though he did not pursue formal art education beyond the foundation introduced in his teenage school years, his work resonates deeply with audiences. “I want to make beautiful things,” he explains. Ihusaas reflects this philosophy, celebrating the grace of sunsets, women in Dhivehi libaas, racing riyaa dhoani, and flowering roadside plants in Hulhumale’.
The Inspiration Behind Ihusaas
Ibrahim Maal—known in Maldivian art circles as Maan—curated the exhibition. He noted that many previous exhibitions in the Maldives carried English titles, including some of Faiz’s own. For Ihusaas, the choice of a Dhivehi name was intentional: to evoke emotion and strengthen the connection between audience and artwork.
The exhibition presents a carefully selected mix of 53 pieces highlighting lost colours and the beauty of Maldivian tradition, culture, and nature. Contemporary works maintain audience engagement, while pieces from previous exhibitions provide a global perspective, featuring locations such as Egypt and the Taj Mahal in India.
Public Reception and Impact
Faiz’s focus lies in reconstructing historical spaces through oil painting and sharing them with the public, particularly young people. The response to Ihusaas has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitor numbers nearly triple those of his last Male’ exhibition two years ago.
Among the most popular pieces is Foahmulah Kulhi, the largest painting in the exhibition. Schools and young artists have shown particular interest, with groups of students attending to study the work firsthand.
“This is my most successful exhibition yet,” Faiz remarked, noting a visit from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday. He also observed a growing public enthusiasm for art, attracting families, children, and students alike. Some works have already been sold or reserved, predominantly to art lovers rather than businesses.
A Celebration of Timeless Beauty
Through Ihusaas, Faiz invites viewers to rediscover the enduring charm of the Maldives—from its heritage and landscapes to its everyday life. The exhibition is both a tribute and a reminder that beauty surrounds us, waiting to be appreciated.
