Article About Me by Sithara Sethumadhavan

Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage,” but for this young artist all Abu Dhabi is the stage or, in her case, the canvas. Neena Rai is an Indian expatriate, a city based artist cum model cum entrepreneur who follows art as a religion. Neena’s paintings with lots of bright colors and emotions make you step back and take a second look. “There have been instances when my art pieces are stories of particular incidents in my life. You can even judge my mood at the time of me working on it by observing some simple details,” she explains. “I have been in Abu Dhabi since 2006. The city as such is not an inspiration, but the mix of culture and a blend which is created out of it inspire me a lot. Small things catch my fancy here,” says this young artist/model. Neena might draw inspiration from a color on a kite or a quote in the newspaper. She calls it “The Zone” and adds, “It is when all inspiration is flowing, and I am painting like mad. At that point I do not like to talk to people or answer the phone as I get out of the zone.” Sometimes Neena has kept painting for two days without an interruption. She doesn’t always understand what’s happening, but she’s there. “It’s more like a very deep meditative state. Those who meditate regularly will know what I am talking about. It’s difficult for me to say how much I paint or why I paint,” explains Neena. “It’s like quoting someone who has said an artist cannot talk about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture. Paintings are my expressions.” However in Abu Dhabi the city is to some extent art ignorant says Neena. Many here don’t understand a painting - for them it’s just colors and motifs when actually it is something much beyond a yellow or pink color. It’s important to understand a painting - every art work will have a story, an emotion, life. It is not just a piece to cover a wall. Neena says, “I assume appreciation of art itself is an art, and there are very few in the city with that art. And it’s like a breath of fresh air to see people like Jalal Luqman and Sumayyah Al Suwaidi take initiative for several art events and exhibitions in the city.” Abu Dhabi is special to this artist because this is where she started exhibiting her work and, of course, she loves the beautiful year- long tan that she gets! Online Link --------------- http://www.abudhabitempo.com/articles//side//371_ART-ICULATE.aspx