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"I have been painting for as long as I can remember," Zaha shared, her voice a testament to her dedication to the craft.

"This painting I have done for the Unveiling Visions 2023 exhibition is based on a photo by a photographer called Mohamed Ahuzam. I saw the photo on Instagram," Zaha explained.

"I painted an underwater photo previously, which got a lot of good feedback. So I thought I would draw a more detailed painting for this exhibition. So I found the reference photo on Instagram and I painted it with minor changes."

The 20-year-old artist also revealed that it took her two weeks to finish the painting.

The depth and intricacy of Zaha's painting are truly remarkable. Each coral is a testament to her devotion to realism, with multiple layers of shadow, mid-tone, and highlight meticulously applied to create depth and dimension. The larger corals boast even more layers, underscoring the dedication it takes to achieve the desired level of detail.

Zaha shared, "Because I like realism, I try to be as detailed as possible."

Reflecting on the artistic landscape in the Maldives, she points out the need for more opportunities for budding artists.

"I believe that Maldivians can only go forward in the field of arts if there is enough opportunity," she expressed. Zaha advocates for dedicated scholarships targeted towards aspiring artists, a gesture that would undoubtedly bolster the growth of artistic talent in the region.

For aspiring artists, Zaha offered practical advice drawn from her personal experience. "Art is not difficult if you try it," she asserted, emphasising the importance of a solid foundation in the basics of art.

She encourages artists to grasp the fundamentals of colour theory and mixing.

Zaha also revealed that every artist should have a sketchbook.

"You can draw or paint anything, any random thing you want. It doesn’t have to be perfect. That way, you will see the progress you’ve made," Zaha explained.

"Another added benefit of having a sketchbook is that when you do want to paint something, you wouldn’t have to brainstorm."