Raisa Mariam Rajan, an artist from Kerala, India, is making significant strides in the UAE’s art scene with her dedication to sustainable practices. Hailing from the “land of coconuts,” she describes herself as a hard-headed businesswoman with an artistic soul. Rajan’s journey has been one of self-exploration and realization, leaving a lasting mark on art and sustainability in the UAE.
Rajan’s artistic journey began in childhood. As a young girl, she sketched portraits of her loved ones in a small notebook. Recognizing her talent, her parents supported her passion for art, despite having no formal training. This encouragement led her to one of India’s most prestigious architectural colleges, shaping her artistic and professional future.
Her experience in architecture has been instrumental in creating her masterpieces. Notable works include “Tranquility,” permanently displayed at ADNOC headquarters. Growing up in a business family, Rajan was initially expected to inherit the family business, putting her artistic dreams on hold. However, life had other plans.
Rajan’s interest in sustainable art emerged from her research in the creative field, unveiling a world of sustainable possibilities. She traveled globally, learning traditional and modern techniques to create sustainable art. Her first sustainable piece captivated art lovers in the UAE, marking the beginning of her mission to promote renewable art practices.
A pioneer in the UAE’s sustainable art movement, Rajan has been a part of numerous panel discussions, art exhibitions, and live shows, including events at the Consulate General of India in Dubai. Her international presence includes art residencies in Montenegro and exhibitions in Azerbaijan. She holds a Guinness World Record for conducting an art lesson with participants from 65 nationalities, focusing on sustainable art.
Rajan’s efforts reached the Cannes Art Festival in 2023, showcasing her works on sustainable themes. She hosted her first solo exhibition at COP 28’s Blue Zone in 2023 and curated a group exhibition alongside international artists, highlighting sustainable art practices. Her artworks have also been displayed at the prestigious Etihad Art Gallery.
Rajan’s paintings are deeply rooted in nature and culture, emphasizing the connection between natural elements and human experiences. She explores themes such as the feminine self, psychological imperatives, and the role of nature in shaping thoughts and actions. Her work “Reflection,” an anthropometric piece on womanhood, was acclaimed at the Cannes Art Festival for its symbolic significance.
Her innovative use of materials, like rope, celebrates the art, craft, and culture of the UAE and their natural links. Her artworks draw inspiration from natural wonders like the root bridge in Meghalaya, India, and Al Ula in Saudi Arabia. Rajan focuses on the power of natural elements such as oceanic waves, glaciers, and wildfires. Her architectural background aids in creating complex structures that narrate aesthetically pleasing tales of historical and cultural significance.
Rajan believes in the power of touch, emphasizing both visual beauty and tactile experiences. She creates sustainable art materials, ensuring her concepts can be felt even by those with visual impairments. For Rajan, art is a sensory experience that should cleanse the soul.
Continuing her journey as an architect, entrepreneur, and artist, Rajan is committed to changing the art world by promoting environmentally friendly practices. She constantly researches sustainable materials to replace toxic chemicals in art, successfully creating textures and colors from natural substances. As one of the first proponents of sustainable art in the UAE, Rajan presents her artworks with confidence, believing her methods will shape the future of art.
