STEP into the vibrant world of artist Rajulal Rafeek as he awakens every Thursday night, surrendering to his creative impulses and immersing himself in his artistic endeavours.
With a pen in hand and wash as his preferred medium, Rajulal delves deep into the recesses of his imagination, captivating viewers with his distinctive style and evocative creations.
Armed with a pocket diary, he diligently captures fleeting ideas, deftly balancing his artistic pursuits with his personal and professional domains.
From sketching lively caricatures for charitable causes on the bustling streets of Dubai to his current role as a successful business head, Rajulal’s artistic journey stands as a testament to his unwavering self-motivation and undeniable passion.
As he prepares for his highly anticipated solo exhibition, anticipation fills the air, while his captivating cartoons gather a growing legion of admirers.
The influence of Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt resonates deeply with Rajulal, particularly in his pen and mono-colour washes of landscape sketches. Additionally, British cartoonist William Anthony Husband, renowned for his black humour, has left an indelible mark on Rajulal’s artistic sensibilities.
In his early days, Rajulal found himself stationed on the bustling roadsides of Dubai, where his friends arranged spaces for him to sketch caricatures of strangers, with the proceeds wholly dedicated to charity. This experience ignited his love for artistic expression, with pen and wash swiftly becoming his medium of choice.
Although Rajulal initially worked in the animation industry, he later assumed the role of business head of Project Supplies at Al Khalili Group in Oman in 2008. Deeply appreciating Oman for its cultural diversity and breathtaking landscapes, Rajulal envisions a promising future for the Omani art scene.
He believes that a multitude of talented Omani artists is emerging, particularly in the field of applied arts, equipped with exceptional skills in art software and a keen awareness of global artistic trends.
Rajulal’s passion for drawing took root in his childhood, and by the seventh grade, he had developed a profound interest in cartooning and caricature. His cartoons often centered around socially relevant themes, with black humour becoming his favoured focal point. He secured consecutive victories in the cartooning competition at the ‘Kerala State School Festival’ in 1989-90 and 1990-91.
Despite not attending a fine arts college or pursuing formal art education, Rajulal remained a self-motivated artist. He considers himself fortunate to have been selected to join Toonz Animation India (Pvt) Ltd, one of India’s pioneering animation companies, which nurtured his innate artistic talent.
Upon arriving in the GCC, Rajulal rekindled his passion for drawing. Armed with a pencil and pen, he found joy in creating spot caricatures and sketches, employing his preferred medium of pen and wash. Rajulal emphasises capturing the essence of his subjects rather than obsessing over intricate details.
Watercolour wash, in particular, affords him a wonderful medium to create captivating visual effects and hues.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Rajulal is an avid writer, specialising in short stories and musings. He plans to publish his work later this year, showcasing his talent for storytelling alongside his artistic endeavours.
Throughout his artistic journey, Rajulal has been blessed with unwavering support from his wife Nimsa and their children Ashik and Al Ameen. Their encouragement serves as a constant source of inspiration, fueling his creative endeavours. Rajulal is also a distinguished member of Toastmasters International, actively engaging in activities that refine his ability to communicate and connect with others.
With aspirations of hosting a solo exhibition, Rajulal remains resolute in bringing his art to a broader audience. Having already sold prints of his works to various hotels, he expands his reach and introduces his unique artistic style to a wider audience.
Rajulal continues to leave an indelible mark on the art world, consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity and expression.
@lijucherianoman
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