Artist Statement
My work, mainly as paintings and sculptures, are based on the idea of symbiotic and parasitic relationships between organic and inorganic, tangible and spiritual things. By observing nature and sometimes the interaction between people, I imitate such occurrences and try to bridge these often contradicting ideas together. The work is also an extension of my ideals of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
Evolving over time and adapting to circumstances, social, environmental and political themes are recurrent in both representational and non-representational forms. In my current art practice, the paintings are how I look inward into myself, as an intimate investigation of who I am as a person and the sculptures are how I respond to the world outward, be it a statement or a personal opinion on issues that matter to me personally.
Artist Bio
Born in Male’, Maldives (1975), Afu started his professional career at the age of 18, as a postage stamp designer at the Maldives Post Limited. For Afu, his 13 years in post office and his education in graphic design and multimedia was an integral part of his fine art career. He has been actively producing art and exhibiting his works both locally and internationally. Many of his works are in the permanent collection of the National Art Gallery of Maldives. He received the National Award of Recognition for Visual Arts in 2014. Afu is currently living in Bath, UK.
Artist Statement
My work, mainly as paintings and sculptures, are based on the idea of symbiotic and parasitic relationships between organic and inorganic, tangible and spiritual things. By observing nature and sometimes the interaction between people, I imitate such occurrences and try to bridge these often contradicting ideas together. The work is also an extension of my ideals of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
Evolving over time and adapting to circumstances, social, environmental and political themes are recurrent in both representational and non-representational forms. In my current art practice, the paintings are how I look inward into myself, as an intimate investigation of who I am as a person and the sculptures are how I respond to the world outward, be it a statement or a personal opinion on issues that matter to me personally.
Artist Bio
Born in Male’, Maldives (1975), Afu started his professional career at the age of 18, as a postage stamp designer at the Maldives Post Limited. For Afu, his 13 years in post office and his education in graphic design and multimedia was an integral part of his fine art career. He has been actively producing art and exhibiting his works both locally and internationally. Many of his works are in the permanent collection of the National Art Gallery of Maldives. He received the National Award of Recognition for Visual Arts in 2014. Afu is currently living in Bath, UK.
Academic Background
MA Fine Art
Bath Spa University, UK, 2020
Diploma in Graphic Design and Multimedia, (Illustration major)
Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology, Malaysia, 1997 – 2000
Other Training
Philately
Asian Pacific Postal College, Bangkok, 2004
Direct Marketing and Marketing Management
Asian Pacific Postal College, Bangkok, 2005
Work Experience
1990 – 1993
Feyli Design Services – designer / illustrator
1993 – 1997
Atelier Pte Ltd – partner / designer / painter
1994 – 2007
Maldives Post Limited – Postage Stamp Designer / Deputy Manager
2001 – 2010
Business Image Group (BIG) – Partner / Executive Creative Director Advertising Agency
2008 – 2011
Founder member of Atholhu – platform for artists. (NGO)
2008 – 2012
Member of National Postage Stamp Committee
2009 – 2014
Panel Member of Visual Arts Curriculum / EDC, Maldives.