EXHIBITION CATALOGUE 2025-2026

Meet the Artist

Zifla Ibrahim

Meet the Artist

Zifu is a Maldivian self-taught artist whose work is deeply rooted in her connection to the sea and the natural landscapes. Since childhood, art has been an essential part of her life, a space where she feels most free to express herself. Over time, she developed a love for textured abstraction, working with acrylics and sand to bring depth and movement into her pieces. Her paintings are inspired by the rhythm of waves and the textures of the coastline. By layering soft tones and ocean blues, Zifu crafts pieces that are both grounded and fluid, echoing nature’s balance of strength and serenity. More than capturing beauty, her practice is about translating emotion. Each piece carries a sense of calm, presence, and reflection, inviting people to pause. Zifu aims to share the peace and clarity she finds in nature, hoping to inspire moments of joy, healing, and hope through her art. 

“Where Nature Breathes”

My journey to Addu City and my first encounter with Koattey sparked this body of work. The quiet strength of the mangroves, the shifting sand, grey heron, and graceful Dhondheeni left a profound impact on me. This exhibition is a meditation on nature’s ability to heal, restore, and hold us. Through forms inspired by waves and coastal textures, I translate the physical beauty of these environments into emotional clarity and peace. “Somewhere the Island Still Breathes” is my attempt to share the stillness I found in that sacred landscape. It is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself, reminding you of stillness and belonging through nature’s quiet, healing power. The exhibition also includes a soundscape collaboration with Gaa studio in Oaga, as an immersive experience of the sounds of Koattey itself.