The island Chief sits down with baachy as we ask him various questions on the art industry of the Maldives, the role it plays in the leading tourism industry of the country and of course about his artistic endeavours, plans and inspirations.

Ahmed Azmee better known by his alias Baachy is a talented and rising artist from the Maldives who has actively been involved in the art scene for well over 5 years. Baachy specialises in contemporary art and incorporates a special artistic technique which yields mesmerising design work that will leave Connoisseurs in an ecstatic frenzy of visual delight.

Tell us about what you do?

 I am a hopeful artist. 

How did you first venture into art?

I have always loved art. From a very young age I have been drawing and always been lost within a myriad of colours and exploring different ways to bring out my imaginative view of the world into something more substantial through my work.

Tell us a little a bit about your style of art?

I have no strict discipline where art is concerned, I explore various mediums and styles for my art work. That said lately I have been exploring contemporary work and have been really enjoying the results.

Where do you draw inspiration from when you produce art?

My art draws inspiration from life and the events that unfold with it. Some people express their creativity and inspiration in the form of writing where as I produce Art.

Being an artist is not always easy and I imagine you must have overcome a lot of challenges in-order to be where you are now? Tell us about some of the challenges you have overcome as an artist and as a person to be where you are today?

I have been a lone artist mostly. I didnt have an audience. I didnt know how to venture out and share my art with people. I made lots of paintings and most of what I have done are always hanging in a resort room, or a safari. Art has always been away of depicting my emotions. 

Do you have any philosophies or specific motivations that drive you to do what you do?

My love for the abstract! 

How far do you think art has the potential to work hand in hand with the tourism industry of the Maldives?

It is almost interrelated to the world of tourism. Art brings style, culture and tradition. The relationship between art and Maldivian tourism has been close since tourism began and tourists have had very frequent contact with art of various times of Maldives. 

How do you feel about the recognition that Maldives receives for its artistic innovation and its future?

I dont think we are recognised as much as we deserve to be. But with the blessing of god, I wish to see a future where both old and young artists of Maldives get the opportunity to participate in various artistic forums and showcase their talent to the wider community of the nation and to the world itself.

What are your goals for the future?

I want to be a recognised artist in the Maldives and I want people to appreciate art. I have some exiting plans ready for the future and I am confident that it will be received well. That said I hope for continued support and encouragement to make my ideals truly come to light. I have an upcoming exhibition, which I hope will be one of the biggest national exhibitions in the Maldives. 

Is there anyone or a group of people that has been extremely supportive towards your career and that you might like to extend your gratitude towards?

The whole of the Maldives Art Community, Friends who have always been at my side supporting me to keep on moving forwards and My sister who is my rock and my "lulu" and erra

I would also like to thank iphpha who was truly a pinnacle figure for my ventures into the artistic world. Finally A big Thank you goes out to the Island Chief and team for their interest in my work and for their dedicated support towards my career.

Finally a big thank you goes out my loving mother, toma, hahthu, faisal, umar and munchi

Is there any advice you would like to share with the artists of tomorrow (rising -artists)?

You may think there is no future and people will not really accept your art as it is but I feel there is more acceptance now and people are interested in various forms of art. My message to all the artists of our nation is to keep trying and to work hard with good will and heart and by gods blessing everything will work out for the best.

What are your interests aside from work? 

Aside from art, watch movies and I am a keen on various artistic movies. Water World was my favourite as a child. I could go on and on about it and my sister loves hearing about it