Renowned local artist Hussein ‘Iphpha’ Iffal has announced a unique solo art exhibition, showcasing paintings done underwater.
On March 25, Iphpha will host his third solo exhibition, titled AZZURROACQUA (meaning Blue Water in Italian), at the National Art Gallery in capital Male. It will feature a series of paintings completed in underwater, making Iphpha the first artist in Asia to exhibit paintings done underwater while scuba diving.
“There is no Asian artist who has come across something like this before. This is a proud moment for my country Maldives too,” Iphpha told Maldives Insider.
“These influential paintings have been made to draw attention and to make people aware of climate change and sea level rise that are threatening the very existence of Maldives.”
Deep down amongst the amazing coral reef gardens of the Maldives, Iphpha completed eight paintings in eight different locations in the beautiful Vaavu atoll. Videos will be shown during the exhibition, showing how the process went on.
“I would like to thank Blue Horizon Dive centre in V. Thinadhoo for helping me do all the diving and the videos. I hope in the future this can be made to promote the tourism industry of Maldives,” Iphpha said.
Exhibition on paintings completed in underwater.Deep down into the amazing coral reef gardens of the diving paradise #Maldives Exhibition Azzurroacqua 25th – 28th March 2018 at National Art Galleryhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpV7mDsMdms
Posted by Iphpha Gallery on Sunday, April 16, 2017
The renowned artist, who has hosted several exhibitions in Maldives and abroad over the past 16 years, found his passion for art during his school days. Ever since then, he has been developing his talent, taking on unique art forms such as painting with coffee.
“I always try to express something through my works, to leave viewers with some sort of message. This has a tendency to impress my audience,” Iphpha explained his work.
Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with a unique underwater beauty to explore. The islands of the Maldives have consistently warm waters with outstanding visibility throughout the year, and consist of exhilarating dive sites such as vibrant thilas, exciting channels, coral-filled overhangs and fascinating wrecks.