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Fine Arts Graduate Reflects on Maldivian Roots in Solo Exhibition

Reem Mohamed Waheed, a fine art graduate from The One Academy just showcased exquisite paintings capturing the spirit of her homeland in her solo exhibition. In honour of the exhibition’s launch, H.E. Dr. Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed, High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Malaysia and Mr. Tatsun Hoi, Principal of The One Academy, attended the event to show their appreciation for these remarkable works and the powerful stories it conveys.?

Waheed crafted memorable masterpieces that beautifully reflect her deep connection to her hometown, Malé. At the heart of her work is Majeedhee Magu, the main road that stretches across the city, towns and rural areas, serving as a main point that unites people from all walks of life. “It’s a road you can’t avoid so everyone takes that road to go to different places of the city and that’s what inspired this exhibition, it symbolizes the path that I am taking right now and people alongside me who are taking a similar path,” she added.

“Through fine art, I’m learning ways to observe the world around me. I decided to use art as a medium to connect and engage with people,” said the fine artist. Her art style draws inspiration from her love of figures and observation rather than imagination. It explored themes of self-identity, belonging and deep-rooted cultural ties.

The exhibition featured 23 narratives of people from her hometown who are currently studying in Malaysia. Waheed’s paintings range from the lively, chaotic scenes of Majeedhee Magu to the quiet, intimate moments of Maldivian students in their everyday lives abroad—capturing them painting, quilting, watching movies, and sharing meals. By portraying the energy of the street in contrast to the simplicity of daily routines, it offered a reflection of the complex, layered experience of navigating home and identity from afar.

“The lecturers have contributed so much, just by guiding me through this entire process. They were critical, they asked the right questions and most of all helped me improve my technical and colour theory skills,” she said when asked about her learning experience.

Being a fine artist is all about creating extraordinary pieces that resonate with people from different backgrounds, cultures and ideologies. One of the most impactful ways of creating truly meaningful pieces is by turning the daily mundane scenes around us into beautiful storytelling. This exhibition marks a significant milestone for the emerging artist and it is clear that her next collection of artworks will be a huge success. ?

Check out Reem Waheed’s solo exhibition here:

The One Academy is committed to providing the best art education programmes and continues to nurture its students passionately through its “Masters Train Masters” coaching philosophy, which has been practised for 33 years, by providing diploma and degree courses in Visual Communication Design, Digital Animation, Digital Media Design, Film Visual Effects, Interior Architecture & Design, Illustration, Fine Arts, Paris Fashion Design & Pattern Making, Computer Science & Game Design. For more information, visit or call 03-7875 5510 or e-mail your enquiries to [email protected]