Afshan Khan, a 15-year-old self-taught artist, has been painting since a young age. Her interest in art deepened at the age of 9 when she started visualizing events from books she read. Her parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to hone it further, leading her to focus on historical and architectural paintings inspired by the buildings and mosques in the UAE. Afshan’s diverse body of work includes sustainable art, aimed at creating a positive social impact on society. She has won numerous awards, met the Ruler of Sharjah, participated in international exhibitions, and holds a prestigious position in UNESCO International Art Action.
Afshan views art as a form of self-expression, allowing her to capture unexpressed feelings and emotions. She translates different emotions and experiences into visual art, creating pieces that convey a message or tell a story. Incorporating modern trends into her artwork, she stays updated on current events, pop culture, and societal issues, utilizing different art mediums to portray social issues in her work. As a Gen Z artist, she actively participates in art challenges and trends on social media platforms to stay relevant and create an impact through her art.
Balancing her passion for art with academic duties as a high school student in Grade 10, Afshan emphasizes the importance of time management, patience, and dedication. She believes that art serves as a therapeutic escape from stress and enhances her efficiency in studies. During exams, she prioritizes her studies but continues to seek feedback from classmates and friends, allowing her to grow as an artist. Afshan advises young artists to maintain a schedule, set goals, and believe in themselves while balancing schoolwork and art.
Social media plays a significant role in Afshan’s life as an artist, allowing her to showcase her work to a wider audience and connect with other artists globally. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have helped her collaborate with art sharing pages, network with artists, and find potential customers for her paintings and commissioned pieces. While she acknowledges the benefits of social media, she also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and originality in her work. Through social media, Afshan continues to grow, inspire, and learn, while also using her talent as an artist to address issues related to technology misuse. Creating original content on social media presents its challenges, requiring consistency and creative thinking to engage with the audience effectively.
