The Dubai art scene has been booming in the last decade with many local artists emerging. Thanks to numerous art galleries and competitions, artists have an opportunity to show their work and build their name in the industry. Sonu Sultania got on our artistic radar thanks to her poetic and very philosophical alcohol ink paintings and her striking photography. This humble yet ambitious artist has a lot to say and she also inspires others through her workshops. We can’t wait to see her solo but for now, let’s get to know Sonu a little closer.
Born and raised in Kolkata, India and trained in Corporate law, it wasn’t until moving to Dubai in 2012 that Sonu decided to nurture her interests in visual art and photography. She is a self-taught visual artist driven by her passion and emotions. Her art palette is a mix of vibrant and sombrehues, which bring her subjects to life.
Sonu enjoys experimenting with several techniques and media but alcohol inks & oils are her favorite. She does not restrict her creativity to a single theme and paints whatever gives her the sense of being connected to her passion. Sonu would not change this aspect of her creativity as she feels it is the essence of freedom and she loves this process.
Having lived in several countries, Sonu uses travelling as a great opportunity to explore and delve into the cultural influences and origins of the art produced in those various communities, cities and countries. She also gets her inspirations from her photography and various philosophies which focus on nature, love, tolerance, worship of God, community development and personal development through self-discipline and responsibility.
Sonu has participated in several art exhibitions across the world but would like to specifically mention the one which was held at Pro Art Gallery, Dubai where one of her works was exhibited along with the great works of legendary Master artists like Picasso, Dali, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.
The artist’s work has also been displayed in Tashkeel, Gallery Arabesque, Atlantis Hotel, Ductac, Abu Dhabi Art Hub, ArtPlus, Mercato, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, DIFC, DIAC and many other Hotels and Galleries in the UAE. Sonu has been participating in Fabriano Italy’s International Watercolour Exhibition for the last three years and in World Art Dubai for the last four years.
Sonu was recently awarded the Noon Artist Award for her photograph, Spring in Her Steps. She also won two competitions in 2018; ‘Dubai Through My Eyes’ conducted by World Art Dubai and ‘Cultural Diversity’ held at Antique Museum. Her work has also been recently featured widely in ElevisionMedia of Emerging Artist Award all over UAE.
Sonu feels blessed to have had the opportunity to mentor children with special needs from Rashid Centre, Dubai Autism Center and Senses. Among her private projects, she has been commissioned custom artworks for many high profile private clients all over the world. Along with being a freelance artist and illustrator, Sonu conducts private art classes & Workshops for children and adults to share her passion with them.
To discover more of Sonu’s art, visit her instagram account @SonuSultaniaa
