Raalhu

EXHIBITION CATALOGUE 2025-2026

Maldives ; A simple story

Meet the Artist

Mohamed Hisan

Meet the Artist

Hisan is a self-taught artist, born and raised in the Maldives, with a lifelong passion for art as a means of self-expression. From an early age, he began his artistic journey with line art and gradually expanded his skills by experimenting with various mediums such as oil paint, watercolor, acrylic, and charcoal. Over time, he developed and refined his craft through dedication and exploration. Most recently, Hisan has developed a deep interest in carving—an age-old traditional art form that is rapidly disappearing from the Maldivian cultural landscape. Through his work, he seeks to revive and reinterpret this fading tradition while continuing to explore and convey new forms and mediums of artistic expression.

Ocean Whispers in Stone: – A Tribute to Waves, Marine Life and Maldivian Heritage

The ocean has always been more than just a backdrop to Maldivian life — it is a quiet witness to its stories, a provider of sustenance, and a source of inspiration. This exhibition presents an intimate collection of works that explore the deep connection between the Maldivian people and the sea.

This body of work is guided by the gentle rhythm of waves, the fluid beauty of marine life, and the symbolic simplicity of shells. At its core is a harmonious fusion of oceanic imagery and traditional Maldivian stone carving patterns — an art form slowly fading from the islands’ cultural memory. Through texture, flow, and form, the exhibition captures the timeless essence of island life: simple, layered, and deeply rooted in nature.

“ My work draws inspiration from oceanic rhythm coupled with traditional Maldivian stone-carving patterns ”