Mariyam Shany Ahmed

I, Mariyam Shany Ahmed, (artist alias “Manje”) am a self taught artist mostly working with watercolors, acrylics, inks and graphite mediums. My main inspiration is derived from various fairytale and mythological characters, natural elements, as well as fantasy works from world renowned fantasy artists of past and present.

I have participated in various international art competitions and various exhibitions over the past years. Since 2008, I have displayed my work in Kuala Lumpur Art for Grabs, Annexe Gallery, Malaysia, and represented Maldives in a group exhibition at the Rumah Terang Gallery, Publika, Malaysia (2012).

In 2013 I have participated in the Annual Saarc Artist Camp organized by SAARC Cultural Association, and exhibited works at the National Art Gallery of Maldives along with other participants from the SAARC countries. I have also been a member of the judging panel for the first of its kind, Doodle Art Contest held by Redbull for University students in Maldives in 2013. Currently living in Malaysia, I am working on a series of new pieces, as well as actively working to

promote local art and artists back in Maldives. I work freelance as an artist, designer and mural painter, and am looking forward to exhibiting my work in other parts of the world in the near future.