Getting Candid with Shadab Khan

Story no.1

Getting Candid with Shadab Khan

-Caroline Maria Dsouza

“Art according to me is the best occupation,” says Shadab Khan, a contemporary Indian artist based in Dubai.

The Dubai International Flower Festival conducted by Lokrit International Dubai witnessed live painting done by Mrs Shadab Khan in front of an audience.

Mrs Shadab was passionate about painting since her childhood. However, it only turned out to be a career option after her marriage. She initially, was very shy in showcasing her work, but the validation she received from viewers on social media such as Facebook and Instagram gave her the confidence to pursue it as a career and not just maintain it as a hobby.

Her work has been showcased in thirteen exhibitions in the years 2016 and 2017 such as,

Sikka Art Fair,

Intercontinental Hotel Abu Dhabi and Radisson Blu Dubai (conducted by Etihad Modern Art Gallery),

World Art Dubai (Dubai World Trade Centre),

Vision of the Future (Ethiad Modern Art Gallery),

Spirit Art Exhibition (Art Plus Gallery),

Yalla Pink Charity Auction at Dubai Stars (Alserkal Sports Company, LLC),

Hotel Show (Dubai World Trade Centre),

The Big Picture (Pro Art Gallery, Jumeirah),

Al Ahmedia Heritage group art exhibition,

Index (Dubai World Trade Centre),

Kempinski (Ajman)

Kobo Online Gallery.

Shadab Khan

Live painting by Shadab Khan (right) and her assistant (left)

Shadab Khan

Live Painting by Shadab Khan at Dubai International Flower Festival 2018 conducted by Lokrits Intl. LLC.

Caroline Dsouza with Shadab Khan

Caroline Dsouza (right), the writer and editor of Artistic Culture interviewed Shadab Khan (left) exclusively at DIFF 2018 held by Al Lokrits Intl. LLC.

Shadab Khan

Live painting by Shadab Khan (right) and her assistant (left)

Photographs by Caroline Dsouza

Apart from these exhibitions, Mrs Shadab’s paintings can be found in private offices and residences throughout the United Arab Emirates and even the world.

Mrs Khan has also been involved with charity events such as, 'Artists for Nepal' and 'Kids of Syria.'

She believes that the UAE provides enough and more opportunities for artists to showcase their talents. “UAE is the best place for an artist to showcase their talents, be it a student or a professional. They support various kinds of artists and provide opportunities such as exhibitions for every sort of artist be it an emerging or renowned artist.”

On being asked about the efforts taken to cope as an artist in comparison to other occupational fields like science, business and marketing, Mrs Khan told the Artistic Culture, “Being an artist is the best profession, more than being a doctor or an engineer. It isn’t a traditional 8 am to 5 pm job. You live your life as an artist because you are the boss here. Art is a mind booster; it allows you to relax. Basically, you get paid to relax.”

Photographs by Caroline Dsouza

Further, she believes that art is something that will enable you to make a living even if you’re unable to go elsewhere for work. She highlights that in situations when women want to stay home and take care of their children, they can still earn by starting art classes at home.

She says, “I know that most parents have a certain mindset that asks their children to keep art as a hobby and not look at it as a career option. However, I would like to ask all parents, that if you notice your child is passionate about art or any talent and want to do something with it, give them the right direction, guide them, put them in anart college so they can grow. According to me, artists are doing much better than any other profession.”