Colours of Arabian Sea: Atul Panase's art reflects both the UAE and India
He is based in Dubai and is a recipient of the Cultural Golden Visa. He has taken part in many national and international exhibitions, including at Fabriano in Acquarello, the biggest International festival dedicated to watercolour in Italy.
He has curated many shows in the UAE and received multiple international awards, which includes the first prize in Watercolor Challenge-UAE Series organised for Channel 4 by Dubai International Art Centre (2002).
Composition titled Swati.
He has also won the Nikon Photography Award in Dubai. He has been a resident artist, attended innumerable art camps, given dozens of art talks and demonstrations and has won prestigious commissions from Dunhill-Switzerland (300 of his paintings were purchased by them; he won the contract beating 17 competitors from 17 countries) and Rice Perry Ellis Consultants, Dubai, among others. Recently, he was invited to an international watercolour event in Texas, USA, where he held a demo at the Fort Worth Art Community Centre. His art classes and workshops are appreciated both by students and art lovers. He has even held art workshops in the University of Socotra!
During the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival in 2022, his watercolour portrait painting titled 'Purple Aura' was installed on Jebel Jais — the highest mountain in the UAE. It was a huge print of 40 square metres and was displayed on the occasion of the UAE National Day. Watercolour and Pen & Ink are his leading mediums, though he also works in pencil, charcoal, pastels and acrylics. Most of his artworks are portrait-based or are trendy/contemporary illustrations. Atul Panase draws his colours on Gulf Today's canvas
Facing the world fearlessly.
Why do you like colour and black and white?
I love Nature; hence I love colours, because there is a natural connection between us and colours, as Nature is colourful. Different colours help to create a mood. I realise how the colours of walls of your home, studio or the place you visit, can change/enhance/uplift your mood. Black and white is the most favourite combination for me because it gives you a large number of greys, which can make the creation more soothing and meaningful. Many say that there is only one colour in the universe, which is Black! Black is the colour which never changes its nature, regardless the type, intensity or the colour of light.
How does India and the UAE help you make art?
India is the land of my birth and the UAE is the land of my work. I find a strong connection between the soil of my motherland and the sands of UAE. It is a connection of love, friendship, culture, tradition, food, music and fine arts itself, which have been nurtured with passion at many levels.
In the domain of Nature.
Can you tell us more about your brand ambassadorship?
I am a proud brand ambassador and leader of Fabriano in Aquarello watercolour team of the UAE for the past ten years and also at Daniel Smith Artists' Materials. I was given the chance to build a team of talented watercolourists from the UAE at Fabriano in Aquarello in Italy, the biggest international watercolour festival in the world. So far, I have chosen 120+ artists from the UAE who come from over 10 nationalities and we have displayed our artworks not only in Italy, but in many other countries including USA, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia and China. This team of watercolourists includes very professional and young budding talented artists too! As ambassador of Daniel Smith Artists' Materials, we have begun activities such as introducing an award, named the Daniel Smith Artists' Materials Award. I am also offering free demos and workshops for art enthusiasts to get the experience of Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors, and also for them to learn a few new techniques.
Work titled Hues of empowerment.
What are the qualities needed for being a commissioned artist?
To become a pro artist, one needs to work with the right mindset where you have to acquire the knowledge of that particular assignment and master many related subjects. One has also to produce high quality art pieces, besides meeting the given deadline.
Apart from collectors' liking, what makes art collectible?
That's a very subjective question as there are many forms of art and different types of artists as there are buyers! If your art showcases a unique approach, along with the use of unique techniques and is a very high quality finished artwork which can narrate an interesting story successfully adjusted to the price ... then the art is definitely a collectible one!
Atul Panase with his watercolour work.
How do you see yourself evolving in the next 25 years?
Breaking my own barriers while setting new records in the form of bringing new techniques, working on new concepts, organising larger than life art events and yes, setting up my own studio, besides establishing a fine art college which can serve society in the most useful ways, are my tiny future dreams. They will help me to give back to the country I call my adopted motherland, the UAE, and show my gratitude for the opportunities given to me here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
12-07-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Blue Sky Thinking: Meet Chanel's J12 Bleu
Chanel's J12 watch has a whole new look – for the first time, the monochrome mainstay has departed from its iconic black and white ceramic design, and is stepping into a new, enigmatic hue In the world of luxury watches, when something seems simple, it rarely is. It's all about the long game. So it was five years of development, countless ceramic trials, and a philosophical colour quest that culminated in Chanel's horological showstopper for 2025: the J12 Bleu. And it's not just blue. It's Chanel blue – an inky, velvety, almost-impossible-to-pin-down hue that's more feeling than formula. Unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2025, the J12 Bleu is both a love letter to Chanel's codes and a rebellion against them. Since its 2000 launch in sleek black ceramic (and its iconic white sibling in 2003), the J12 has been all about monochrome mastery. But now, in its 25th year, it's had a tonal awakening. 'There's black, there's white – and then there's this,' says Arnaud Chastaingt, the creative force behind Chanel's watchmaking studio since 2013. Speaking from the brand's booth in Geneva, Arnaud is, by necessity, both a philosopher and perfectionist. 'Black is not a colour,' he says with a grin. 'It's the absence of light. So I imagined giving colour to black.' The result is a blue that defies easy categorisation. There was no Pantone swatch, and no shortcut. 'People asked if I gave our manufacture a reference. I said, absolutely not. That would've been lazy,' he laughs. Arnaud explains that some early samples leaned too red, others veered too much towards green. But after years of obsessive iteration, Arnaud found his poetic equilibrium – an enigmatic blue that flickers between shadow and shine. This moody, magnetic colour didn't, however, appear from thin air. He references a midnight-blue dress Gabrielle Chanel designed, embroidered with black thread, that he discovered a few years back at a Chanel exhibition in Paris called Manifeste de Mode – proof that Mademoiselle never played by colour rules. 'She already knew that blue and black were magic together,' he says. 'Maybe that stuck with me.' The new J12 Bleu collection spans nine pieces, but the crown jewel – quite literally – is the J12 Bleu X-Ray. It's a feat of haute horlogerie brilliance: 196 baguette-cut sapphires glitter across a case and bracelet crafted entirely from synthetic sapphire crystal, offering a mesmerising window into the Calibre 3.1 movement. Transparent, ultra-modern, and wildly limited (only 12 pieces globally), it's the J12 at its most extravagant. In the rest of the collection, then comes the fun. Fun isn't a word you hear often in haute horlogerie – unless you're talking to Arnaud. 'I refuse the idea that a watch must be worn on the wrist,' he says, with the slight defiance of someone who's clearly had this argument before. 'Gabrielle Chanel never designed a watch, but if she had? She'd have worn it as a pendant. Or on a belt. Or a ring.' This spirit infuses the maison's pendant watches, which are very much having a moment. From a glossy lipstick-shaped locket strung on raspberry-hued rhodolite pearls, to miniature interpretations of Coco Chanel herself – there's a lightness, a whimsy, a wink. At the heart of this joy is the Blush collection: 15 watches inspired by Chanel's legendary beauty codes. Lipstick-reds, compact-shaped dials, powdery pastel palettes – it's watchmaking as seen through a make-up artist's lens. One standout? The Talisman watch 'Give Me Luck', a long necklace in yellow gold, rubellite and tourmaline, designed to mimic the maison's iconic Les Quatres Ombres eyeshadow palettes. Another is the Protect Me amulet, where Coco's kohl-rimmed eye is rendered in grand feu enamel and snow-set diamonds, a sparkling homage to Chanel's smoky-eyed signatures. The crossover continues with the J12 Box Dripping Art set: five black ceramic watches splashed with enamel shades inspired by the maison's most iconic nail lacquers. Think Rouge Noir, Rose Beige, and vibrant pinks that feel more pop art than precision timekeeping. While other brands flex their mechanical muscles, Chanel leans into mood, magic and memory. Yes, the movements are meticulous, but it's the storytelling – the deliberate blend of artistry and attitude – that sets them apart. 'Creation,' says Arnaud, 'is everything.'
Gulf Today
07-07-2025
- Gulf Today
Small is beautiful: DIAC show hosts big art on little canvases
Early last month, Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) hosted the second edition of its group art show titled 8'x8' Beauty in Unity. BiU marked a significant milestone in the UAE's cultural and creative calendar, in the number of artworks shown and the response generated. The exhibition was held for the second consecutive year, without a break, and drew hundreds of art lovers, collectors and industry dignitaries; it also received a World Record award from Talent Record Book, for exhibiting the highest number of small canvases in a single show. The record-winning show consisted of 692 individual artworks, each sized at merely 20x20 cm; it was a celebration of artistic capacity in miniature form! This year's edition witnessed the participation of 102 talented artists from diverse nationalities, showcasing styles ranging from realism and abstraction to Arabic calligraphy, digital art, and photography. The outcome too was commendable — over 150 artworks were sold, underscoring the event's commercial and creative success. The exhibition was inaugurated by renowned Emirati artist Faisal Abdul Qader, who said that 'it's inspiring to see such powerful creativity captured within such a small canvas. Each piece tells a story — concise yet impactful.' The event was also graced by eminent personalities and supporters of the arts, including Emirati artist Ahmed Rukni, Indian art legend Anjini Prakash Laitu, water colour champion Atul Panase and art doyen Sultana Kazim, each of whose presence lent prestige and encouragement to the participating artists. DIAC Chairperson Diyali Sen Bhalla spoke about the vision behind the show: '8'x8' Beauty in Unity is more than just an art exhibition — it is a growing cultural movement,' she said. 'It provides a unique platform for artists to demonstrate extraordinary talent within compact compositions. These mini masterpieces appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers, making art more accessible while still maintaining their soul and uniqueness.' The response to Season 2 has resonated in a way that DIAC received multiple requests to organise Season 3, on a larger scale. Plans are underway to host the next chapter in November 2025. 'It promises an even bigger celebration of creative diversity and global unity through art,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla. Artists with their certificates. Season 2 participating artists included Adila Shoaib, Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni, Alemayehu Goshime, Alia Amin, Amancia Sandra Menezes, Amanda Ovington, Amna Mohammed Ameen, Anastasie Akibode, Anirban Midya, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Anjum Daud, Ankisha Jhawar, Anuj Sarkar, Anum Anwar Ali, Aquila Abdel Rahim, Arezoo Rahmdel, Arti Bhatia, Asiya Hassham Malik, Asma Seyed, Avantika Sharma, Avijit Majumder, Beena Samuel, Bhakti Ghaghda, Bhumika Maniyar, Chandralekha Dubey, Debra S Mascarenhas, Deepa Rajesh, Deepti Sharma, Dheepa David, Diyali Bhalla, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Dr. Devisree S, Elaheh Baghaiesaien, Elahehsadat Mirafzal, Erum Durrani, Farivash Rajaei Alawadhi, Fathima Shihnaz Ahamed, Gülüm Erzincan, Hanna Alexandra Adoro Tepace, Jagruti Sanjay, Jaimee Felysse Almendares Reyes, Jamila Patanwala, Jenny C Ang, Jyoti Devdhar, Jyoti Sethi, Komal Jhala, Kriscia Bianca Pascual, Kunchay Visweswar, Lara AbouKhaled, Latha Narayanan, Leila Ramezani, Lita Mathews, Mahboobeh Shahnavaz, Mahi Tawfik, Mahi Wasfy, Mahnaz Ghafouri, Mahnaz Rafiq Javid, Mahshid Mirab, Maitha Shahdoor, Malika Rahman, Mary Ann Pascual, Marya Adnan, Mini Suboth, Mona Biswarupa Mohanty, Mrinmay C Sebastian, Muhammad Habib Akram, Nanditha Unnikrishnan, Neema Rajesh, Nithya Rajendiran, Pari Sagar, Pinki Sanyal, Radha Bhatia, Ranjisha Raghavan, Rashmi Parakkal, Reeta Kumari, Renuka Sanjeev, Rubab Zahra, Sahira Banu, Sameena Firdose, Sandeep Soni, Sandhya S. Iyer, Sara Masoumi, Seema Haque, Sibel Yavuz, Sona Minasyan, Soobika Fawad, Stuti Parikh, Sunanda Jain, Sunita Vasanth, Suva Mishra, Swaraj Jawale, Trupti Rele, Ursula Musch, Vandana Sudhir, Varghese Naiju, Varsha Khatri, Vasanthi Kannan, Vinu Aravind, Yamini Maria, Yoshita Ahmed, and Zoharath Suha. An AI overview of small canvas paintings says that 'they offer a great way to experiment with art, add pops of colour, and personalise small spaces.' AI goes on to prod artists to 'consider painting abstract designs, landscapes, or even portraits on miniature canvases. You can also create a gallery wall with multiple small pieces, or use them as decorative elements on shelves or tables.' Diyali Sen Bhalla, DIAC Chairperson. A list of ideas for small canvas formats is provided: abstract art patterns and designs, which are popular and versatile for small canvases; geometric patterns which can be easily executed on a small scale; Nature-inspired works such as painting flowers, trees, sunsets, or seascapes for a calming and familiar subject; celestial bodies where one can paint stars, moons, planets, or galaxies for unique and visually appealing pieces; miniature portraits which captures a person's likeness or facial expression on a small canvas; animal paintings of one's favourite animal or whimsical creatures; quotes and text which combine painting with typography carrying inspirational quotes or short phrases; or miniature landscapes that capture the beauty of Nature on a small scale, like a serene forest scene or a vibrant sunset. Artist John Lovett says that 'once I got started on these small paintings I couldn't stop. They were such a lot of fun - no pressure to produce a masterpiece, just quick, exciting experiments that revealed numerous options I would have otherwise never have considered.' He found it surprising how much detail and subtlety could be packed into a small space. 'Experiments with colour options, texture treatments and composition arrangements could be carried out quickly and effectively,' he says. Talent Record Book celebrates and showcases exceptional talents and remarkable achievements of both individuals and groups from around the world. The platform serves as a hub for talent recognition and inspiration, where individuals and groups alike can share their unique abilities and accomplishments.
Khaleej Times
04-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Watch review: Rado's new Anatom is just in time for summer
When you think of Rado, you don't just think of watches; you think of a brand that reimagined what a watch could be made of. Decades ago, while most of the industry obsessed over shapes and complications, Rado practised the alchemy of materials. After pioneering ceramic on the wrist, the brand pushed boundaries again, mastering sapphire crystal, perfecting high-tech ceramic, and creating plasma-treated ceramic, a breakthrough that gave ceramic the lustre of metal without compromising its lightweight, scratch-resistant properties. With these innovations, Rado wasn't just building watches; it was shaping the future of how time should feel on the wrist. The Anatom is one of the most significant chapters in that story. First launched in 1983, it was revolutionary in its design — bold, ergonomic, and unapologetically different. Its curved form followed the wrist's natural line, promising comfort that felt almost personal. Now, Rado brings that same spirit back, dressed in bright, lively colours for a new season. This summer, the Anatom returns in three vibrant new versions, each hue capturing a fragment of the season. The lemon-yellow model radiates like midday sun, its black-to-yellow gradient dial glowing with warmth and energy. Paired with a matching rubber strap, it's a shot of summer that feels at home from beach to boardroom. The lime-green version channels the freshness of sunlit grass and new leaves, its dial and strap alive with a spirit that's subtle, spirited, and uplifting. And then there's the grapefruit red — bold and juicy, like the first slice of fruit on a summer morning. Its rich dial and matching strap strike the perfect balance between playfulness and drama. At a glance, they're unmistakably Anatom, with those smooth, flowing lines and sharp geometry that stand out across a room. But up close, there's a depth to them that comes from Rado's mastery of materials. The case is sculpted from the brand's newest high-tech ceramic, making it sleek, strong, and surprisingly light. A polished black ceramic bezel frames the curved sapphire crystal, bevelled and treated to reduce glare, yet blending seamlessly into the design with a fluid, almost liquid grace. Inside, the R766 automatic movement ticks with the calm assurance of something finely tuned. Its antimagnetic Nivachron hairspring keeps it steady through daily wear. With 72 hours of power reserve and fine adjustments in five positions, it's the kind of mechanical workhorse you can trust to be refined enough to admire through the sapphire crystal caseback, yet reliable enough to disappear into daily use. Each dial fades from black at the edges to a vivid centre hue, drawing the eye inward. The effect is dramatic, especially when paired with rhodium-coated hands that glow softly with Super-LumiNova. A date window at six o'clock sits discreetly, never breaking the balance. All about character Then there's the strap, made from durable fluorine rubber and designed to hug the wrist with a flexibility that quickly becomes second nature. And yet, whether in yellow, green, or red, it holds its own with bold, unmistakable character. Rado's legacy of material innovation is undisputed, but with the new Anatom models, that expertise is channelled into something more immediate — watches that feel as good as they look, with comfort, colour, and craftsmanship coming together. More than just seasonal designs, these new versions are reminders that a watch can still resonate beyond function. The Anatom is made to stay with you – versatile, expressive, and ready to go wherever the season takes you.
