Artistic expression

Mural painter and artist Rouble Nagi has been designing and creating works for almost a decade.

The 28-year-old turned her passion into a profession when she designed Frescos and Mosaic for Kenilworth Hotel in Goa. Since then she has produced over 800 murals worldwide, creating pieces for the Hyatt Regency and the Residency Club in Pune and she counts Citibank in Mumbai among her big clients. Nagi practises in 33 different mediums including glass and ceramic and works closely with architects. In Dubai recently to create a mural for a private residence in Emirates Hills, Nagi, explained how a unique piece of artwork can transform a home.

What is mural design and how does it work? It is a very fine form of art used to create a magnificent centrepiece for any room, no matter what the size. I use many different types of mediums and each is unique. I can do a painting, fuse glass with metal, create something in stone or mosaic or in any style the client requests, whether that be contemporary, abstract, classical or something with a Middle East or Asian influence.

Is there a limitation to what can be done? I don't believe there is. It all depends on the size of the space available. I have done things in small spaces and in vast spaces. Rather than buying a painting a client might have me create a small mural, while another client will require a whole wall of design.

At the moment I am creating a very special piece made from real gem stones, this is something unusual for me and requires a different approach because of the value of the pieces. The minimum price is around Dh300 but there is no limit.

How do you start creating a work for a client? To begin we discuss the space. I will go and see it for myself, and although I am based in India I do travel to the UAE once a month.

When I have seen the area we discuss ideas – and the medium in which they want the work. From there I sketch out plans. Sometimes it can be quite specific and other times they want me to create something on my own. I work closely with architects and clients coming up with a concept for the mural, as creating the perfect image for each project is essential whether it be a multinational bank, a private home or a school.

What advice would you give to people who would like to follow the profession? Try it and see where it takes you. I am a self-taught artist, but when I discovered I had a gift I made sure I utilised it. I learnt on the job and that is a good way to find out if it is something you can do for the rest of your life. 

- For information on log on to www.roublenagi.net

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