Meet Abdulla Lutfi, a 31-year-old Black & White artist. Abdulla is on the spectrum and has been creating art from the tender age of 18. He found joy in expressing himself through art. As an Emirati artist, he captures the nuances of everyday life in the UAE in his drawings, each one telling a story.
Lutfi’s path to pursuing his artistic endeavours was shaped by a pivotal moment in his life. After graduating from a mainstream school, his family enrolled him in an art studio for adults with special needs Mawaheb For Beautiful People’. Initially, he felt out of place due to the diversity of special needs among the participants.
“It was only then that I become fearless in my creative expression. I became authentic, as an artist and a human being“
However, with the guidance of his art mentor, Gulshan Kavarana, Lutfi embraced his autism and used it as a source of strength in his creative expression. This acceptance allowed him to become a true artist and solidified his decision to pursue art as a career.
Reflecting on his journey, Lutfi shares unexpected lessons he has learned along the way. Studying art taught him to embrace all aspects of himself, including his quirks, drawbacks, and strengths. This acceptance has been pivotal in his artistic journey, allowing him to channel his emotions into his work.
Resilience has played a key role in Lutfi’s journey. His passion for art and the economics of creating and selling art keep him motivated.
“Resilience, to me – means never giving up”
Balancing passion with practicality in his business endeavours is made possible with the support of his team. Lutfi acknowledges their role in helping him navigate the challenges of running a business, enabling him to focus on his artistic strengths.
To stay motivated during challenging times, Lutfi finds inspiration in Japanese anime and manga, as well as the slice-of-life moments he captures in his art. His work is rooted in the beauty and complexity of everyday life.
In terms of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, Lutfi has a structured routine that supports his mental and physical health. He walks 10,000 to 15,000 steps daily and adheres to a healthy diet. He also takes weekends off to recharge.
“Being on the spectrum, I find comfort in routine.”
Looking to the future, Lutfi envisions a global reach for his Black & White art. Having collaborated with major brands in the UAE such as DXB Airport, Expo 2020, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, ADNOC, and others, Lutfi hopes to see his work featured in iconic locations around the world. His dream is for people to remember him as the Black & White artist from Dubai whose work has left a lasting impact on the art world.
He is… The Gifted
