Ahmed “Andhu” Nimad is not a new name for Art enthusiasts in the Maldives. Andhu who started from special TV programs for kids has now traveled out of the country; his talents have reached Malaysia!
Andhu started different artistic works after he completed school in 1996. His publicity raised after a children’s TV program broadcasted from TVM. In this program، Andhu used to show to the viewers، how to make creative، artistic things by recycling waste/used materials.
After his TV “lessons”، Andhu served as an Art teacher at the Maldives National Center for the Arts (NCA) from 2006 to 2010. During these days، he took basic drawing and arts classes، and also worked as a resource art teacher for the Art students preparing for GCE O level exams until 2011.
From an art class conducted by Andhu —
He also has been a helping hand for students outside of Male; he worked as a resource Art teacher for 15 days in Ha. Hoarafushi in 2011. He shared his talents to the students and other art teachers at Hoarafushi School.
Andhu was back on TV in 2011 with a show produced on his own concept named “A For Art”. 13 episodes of this show aired on MNBC One.
Moreover، he was a trainer at the BDSC Project held in Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi by the Economic Ministry in 2011. In 2012، he worked as an Art instructor at the Children’s Resource Center of Maldives.
Some scenes from Andhu’s own show “A for art” —
Another special addition to his chain of training programs include the “Learn How To Draw In 30 Days” training Andhu conducted in Male. This training was based on a syllabus Andhu designed himself based on his 10 years of experience. A total of 45 students enrolled in this program that took place in 2013.
Apart from his own country، Andhu also has conducted training programs abroad. On a cultural exchange program، he traveled to Australia in 2006. He conducted a training on stone carving in Melbourne. This training was a 30 days program، and students in between ages eight and 13 participated.
Moreover، Andhu’s stone sculptures were displayed at the Melbourne Museum for two months.
Andhu’s stone carvings —
An art class Andhu conducted in Australia —
2006 was one of the most historic and momentous years of Andhu’s life. He was awarded the National Award of Encouragement from Arts category، by the Government of Maldives.
Andhu’s life faced a major change when he migrated to Malaysia in 2014، where he is currently working at MAZ International School campuses at Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya.
“I applied to jobs here [in Malaysia] as I wanted to teach. I got a lot of support from MAZ International School. The biggest satisfaction I get is that، there is not much difference here in Malaysia when comparing to my home country. In every class I teach، there would be at least two or three Maldivian students،” said Andhu، talking to “Vaguthu”.
Andhu with his students from Malaysia —
He says he feels joyful as he gets to teach his fellow compatriots at a foreign country.
At the MAZ International School Petaling Jaya campus، he takes six classes، while at the Shah Alam campus، Andhu teaches five classes. His classes are based on his own compiled syllabus.
Andhu’s students and their parents are very satisfied with Andhu’s teaching performances. They all describe him as a very talented teacher.
He says he very heartfully sends his appreciation and thanks to the Principal of MAZ International School Mr Inderjit Singh Sekhon، and the Vice Principal Mrs Manjit Kaur.
Andhu’s talent not only stops at drawing and painting. He creates sculptures، large canvas paintings، wedding backdrops، etc.
Displaying his works and teaching his knowledge to people from different parts of the world surely can be a precious moment for Andhu’s loved ones. Andhu’s best friend Leeza describes him as a self-developed، courageous artist.
“He is very brace. He takes chances and uses his own talent، and then passes on his knowledge to everyone around. I am very proud of him، and I shall remain supportive to his work،” said Leeza.
(L) Andhu works on a painting and his best friend Leeza (R) does her own creative art works —
Leeza said that the respect people and especially، students have for Andhu is what keeps him going on strong in the field.
Leeza is also the most supportive person after Andhu started teaching abroad، according to him. He thanks his best friend Leeza for the continuous support، and describes her as the biggest inspiration behind his success.
Andhu dreams to see the day where his daughter also reaches heights in the field of art.
“She draws really splendidly. She says that she wants to be a great artist like her father. That’s the day I wish to see،” said Andhu.
Andhu with his daughter —
This remarkable Maldivian star artist is currently preparing to exhibit some of his art work in Malaysia. Andhu says this exhibition which he would call “Childhood Memories” will happen soon.
A very talented Maldivian artist displaying his amazing works abroad، so far from home، is surely an honor for all Maldivians.
For someone who learnt and developed the skills on his own and now is passing it on to others، Andhu is an exemplary citizen to every Maldivian creative artist.