Afshan Khan has been passionate about painting since her early childhood. Her fascination with art intensified at the age of 9, inspired by the visualizations she created from the books she read. Reflecting on her artistic journey, she shares with City Times, "As a child, I was captivated by the patterns outside the car window and the stunning architecture of UAE's buildings and mosques, which sparked my interest in historical and architectural paintings." Recognizing her talent, her parents supported her efforts to refine her skills. Now, at 15, Afshan is a self-taught artist renowned for her detailed works. Her portfolio, which includes sustainable art, aims to positively influence society. She has garnered numerous awards, met influential figures like the Ruler of Sharjah, and participated in over 25 international art exhibitions. Her achievements include winning nine inter-school art competitions and holding the position of General Secretary India Department in UNESCO International Art Action. As a Gen Z artist, Afshan actively engages with her audience through social media, regularly sharing her creations.
In a deeper exploration of her artistic philosophy, Afshan explains, "Art is self-expression for me. I paint my emotions and experiences, transforming feelings into visual art. For instance, after watching Titanic, I painted 'Eternal Love' to depict the profound love and sacrifice of Jack and Rose. Similarly, my painting 'Climate Change' addresses environmental issues." She emphasizes the importance of modern trends in her work, stating, "I stay updated with global events and pop culture to keep my art relevant and impactful. Participating in social media art challenges helps me stay connected with contemporary trends." Balancing her passion for art with academic responsibilities, Afshan manages her time effectively, finding art therapeutic and a way to enhance her focus. She advises young artists to carefully schedule their time and maintain a balance between art and studies.
As a social media-savvy artist, Afshan highlights the benefits of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, noting, "Social media has been instrumental in expanding my network and reaching a broader audience. It allows me to collaborate with other artists and share my work globally. However, I remain committed to authenticity and originality in my art, especially in the face of AI misuse." She continues to challenge herself on social media, creating engaging content that resonates with her followers.
