Riyaz Ahmed, born in Srinagar, Kashmir, in 1972, is a renowned Kashmiri paper mache artist who has mastered the art of working with recycled paper. With a deep passion for his craft, Riyaz's sculptures intricately portray traditional Kashmiri costumes, jewelry, and architecture, as well as mythical creatures from Kashmiri folklore.
For Riyaz, art is not just a creative expression, but also a source of peace ("Sukoon"). His sculptures reflect the natural beauty of Kashmir, painted with vibrant colors that breathe life into his creations. Through his work, Riyaz seeks to preserve and promote the rich culture and history of Kashmir, inspired by the influence of Mughal miniature painters and the Islamic art tradition.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Riyaz is also a philosopher who advocates for unity and rejects the establishment of differences. He also discusses the futility of establishing differences, citing a Bengali incident from his stay in Kolkata. 'Sabka jawab, Howrah jaana hai janab, sabse poocho kidhar jaana hai.' 'Ab koi plane se ja raha hai, koi car se, koi train se, aur koi chal ke- par pahunchenge, sabhi Howrah hi na!' (When you ask anyone where you want to go, they all respond Howrah. Someone is flying, someone is driving, someone is taking the train, and someone is walking, but they are all headed to the same spot! For him, this incident symbolizes the futility of divisions in society.
Riyaz's talent has earned him international recognition, with his sculptures being exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. Notably, he has received accolades like the National Award for Excellence in Folk Art from the Government of India, the Award of Merit from the World Crafts Council, and a Special Mention from the Prince Claus Fund.
As an artist and part philosopher, Riyaz Ahmed's work stands as a tribute to the beauty and heritage of Kashmir, leaving an indelible mark on the art world and inspiring young artists in his homeland and beyond.
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