Down Memory Lane with Artist Rukni

Among the art community in the UAE, Rukni is a familiar name. Often spotted at exhibitions and events, the 63-year-old Emirati artist, who officially goes by the name Ahmad Al Awadhi is a connoisseur, patron and practitioner of art. A businessman by day, Rukni’s evenings are spent inaugurating art events and supporting budding artists.

As an artist, he is equally adept at landscapes and portraits, even as his current stream of work veers toward pop art. Apart from several exhibitions that he has showcased his work at, he is now collaborating with First Wish Art Gallery for a roving international art exhibition, that will travel to 12 countries. In this conversation with Middle East Masala, he looks back at the artistic inspirations that culminated into his oeuvre.

The Beginning

I always had an interest in art. At the age of eight, I was sketching palm trees and made portraits, but I never thought of pursuing art as a career. My father used to run a novelty store of gift items in Sharjah and by the time I was 16, I was actively part of the family business. Only around two decades ago, when I was around 40, a friend happened to visit my home and see my artwork. Her encouragement and appreciation led me to display them. That’s how I first publicly made a foray into the art world with an exhibition in Al Mamzar.

Art Style

When I started painting, initially I would sketch what I saw around me — the traditional architecture of our bayts, the arches and doors, coffee pots, lanterns, mosques and desert scenes. But now I am more into portraits of legends that I paint in a pop art style. From Frida Kahlo to Sophia Loren, Al Pacino, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Gandhi and Sheikh Zayed, I have etched them all. I closely watch their movies, flip through magazines and TV shows to get my portraits right. I usually paint very late at night, while listening to classical music. I can get deeply engrossed and sometimes spend the whole night painting.

Inspiration

Art is everything to me. I am entirely self-taught. When I started painting in my childhood, it was not appreciated. Now, of course, the scenario has changed, things are different. I receive a lot of love and respect from everyone. It’s important for me to preserve and present shades of my country and culture, which are intrinsic to me as an Emirati. Through my work, I hope that people will see the beauty of my nation.

The portraits that I make are an extension of my admiration for these iconic personalities. One of my most cherished art portraits is that of Pope Francis and the Grand Iman of Al Azhar, Ahmed el Tayeb, when they met in Abu Dhabi as part of UAE’s Year of Tolerance, 2019. That painting now adorns the walls of the office of the Ministry of Tolerance.

UAE’s Art Scene

In the UAE, we are fortunate to have the presence of several cultures intermingling. Artists from various parts of the world are based here. We can see elements of their culture in their artwork. I am inspired by the people I meet and their work. Young people have a lot more freedom to pursue what they want these days. They also have the encouragement of the UAE government. My own daughter has followed in my footsteps and is working with Louvre Abu Dhabi.

To Upcoming Artists

It is important to try various styles of art and figure out what one is excellent at. It should then become your forte, your specialization so that you can have your own signature style.