Her strokes on the murals she creates on walls are bold, colourful and beautiful. This mural artist of Srinagar is Aimen Showkat, who is also a budding calligrapher. She recently completed Class 12 from Kothi Bagh Higher Secondary School. Aimen continues to pursue academics, but her passion is art.
Aimen started as a calligraphy artist. Her family is engaged in artifacts and handicrafts of Kashmir heritage. Aimen has been fond of painting since childhood. She has been introduced to mural art by Sahil Manzoor, a popular mural artist of Srinagar. Sahil had bagged a project in the city titled Wall of Kindness. Aimen helped Sahil in completing the project. Aimen is the daughter of Showkat Ahmad Beigh. She says she is fortunate that her family and relatives have always been supportive of her art. “I am happy that I have got total support also from the community and our society. People love my paintings and I am getting more orders day by day,” says the teenager. Aimen says calligraphy is deeply embedded in her. At times she feels it arises from her soul. “Art brings me inner peace and happiness. Even though I get busy with studies, it is art where I find true happiness,” she says. “I can stay engaged with art 24X7,” she smiles.
Aimen says all youngsters must pursue some kind of hobby or leisure activity and groom their talent. “Extra-curricular activities are as important as academics and our professional pursuits,” she believes
