When Covid-19 confined the world indoors, few anticipated it would ignite a remarkable creative revolution. For Aliya Ziyad, a Year 12 student at Indian School Mabela, this unexpected pause became the catalyst for an extraordinary artistic journey she had never imagined.
At first, Aliya’s world was turned upside down, watching mesmerising images on television and dreaming of recreating them. Her curiosity grew into an unwavering passion — how could she transform simple stencils into vibrant masterpieces? With perseverance and determination, she overcame her doubts, turning her ideas into record-breaking reality.
Starting from scratch, Aliya immersed herself in the world of stencil art, emulating everything she observed. Her early sketches, born amidst online lessons and lockdowns, began attracting attention. What started as mere experimentation gradually flourished into a remarkable artistic career, earning her fame not only across Oman but internationally.
Today, Aliya’s name is synonymous with mastery in Mandala art, Arabic calligraphy, doodle art, and fabric painting. Her work resonates with art enthusiasts throughout Oman, inspiring admiration with each piece. Without formal training, she taught herself through online tutorials, turning digital guidance into tangible art.
Her portfolio is truly extraordinary: over 300 portraits, each painstakingly crafted through stencil art. Her subjects include prominent figures such as Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the legendary Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Indian politician Pinarayi Vijayan, international film stars, business magnates like M.A. Yusuff Ali, Jawaharlal Nehru, and numerous cultural icons from around the globe. Many of her artworks are heartfelt gifts to visitors in Oman, poignant tokens of admiration.
Aliya’s talent has earned her accolades such as the India Book of Records, along with international honours from the World Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records. Her achievements stand as a testament to her dedication and innate artistic flair.
Recently, her innovative fusion of traditional folk art—Theyyam and Kathakali—using vivid acrylic colours has captivated many in the Sultanate. Her painting vividly depicts Theyyam, a festival from North Kerala celebrated for its fierce facial expressions and vibrant face paint, capturing its essence of strength and spirituality. The bold reds and whites evoke both passion and divine energy, transforming her work into a cultural celebration.
What is most impressive is her ability to finish many of her works within just a few days—each piece a stunning illustration of talent, commitment, and deep cultural pride.
Born to Ziyad and Jumi, passionate social workers in Muscat, Aliya is not merely an artist — she is an inspiring, multi-talented young woman. Her sister, Amina, currently pursuing MBBS in Egypt, is also active in extra-curricular and cultural activities, reflecting a family rooted in service, creativity, and ambition.
Aliya’s story exemplifies how dreams, nurtured with perseverance and passion, can blossom into inspiring realities — proof that art truly has the power to create entire worlds.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
