Original Painting

Ruhaniyat (Soulfulness)

Paintings, Videsh
Dubai

This painting challenges conventional symbols of prosperity by depicting an Arab man carrying vibrant lotuses out of a sandfall. While the lotus is traditionally a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and is often found in the lush, green landscapes of South Asia, this artwork reimagines its significance within a desert environment. It portrays the flourishing of life and opportunity in a country surrounded by sand.

The piece visualizes Ruhaniyat, or “soulfulness,” of a modern nation. The multi-story skyscrapers rising from the desert are not just feats of engineering but embody the soul of a desert oasis, providing opportunity and life to millions. The painting’s powerful contrast between the vibrant, purplish-blue of the lively lotuses and the warm yellow of the sand creates a visually striking metaphor for life, prosperity, and spiritual growth in an unexpected setting.

Dimension

31.2"(W) x 22.2"(H)

Medium

Acrylic on Canvas

Year Created

April 2022

Framing

Ready to Hang

Cultural Details

In many cultures, the desert is a symbol of hardship, emptiness, and spiritual testing. However, in the context of the Middle East, particularly the Arabian Peninsula, it is also the source of life-giving oases and the birthplace of ancient spiritual traditions. The concept of Ruhaniyat (soulfulness or spirituality) is deeply rooted in this cultural understanding, where the essence of a place is found not just in its physical form but in its spirit. The lotus, a well-known symbol in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, represents purity, rebirth, and enlightenment, often rising untainted from muddy waters. By placing this symbol in a desert, the artwork transcends its traditional context. It suggests that a new form of spiritual and material prosperity can emerge from an entirely different landscape. The painting speaks to the modern cultural identity of a region that has blended its deep, soulful connection to the land with a forward-looking vision, creating a new kind of oasis for the world.

Artist's Personal Note

“I was captivated by the idea of an oasis in a modern context. Dubai, with its towering skyscrapers in the middle of a vast desert, seemed to be the perfect example of this. It’s a place where innovation and ambition have created a bustling city out of what was once just sand. The name ‘Ruhaniyat’ came to me as I thought about the soulful energy required to build something so magnificent.

The image of an Arab man carrying lotuses out of a sandfall felt like a beautiful way to express this. It’s a blend of two different worlds—the traditional symbol of the lotus and the modern reality of the desert metropolis. For me, this piece is about finding soul and beauty in places you might not expect, and about the human spirit’s ability to create life and splendor from the most challenging of environments.”