Visual artist | United Arab Emirates
Shaji K Panicker
Born in 1976
About the creator
- Shaji K Panicker is an Indian visual artist based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Originally from India, his work reflects a thoughtful exploration of the human condition within today’s fast-changing world. He works mainly with watercolor and ink, using their fluid and sometimes unpredictable nature in a slow, reflective process. His practice often focuses on the value of empty space, turning what may feel like modern emptiness into a place for pause and reflection. Through themes of vulnerability, solitude, and human presence, he aims to create moments of calm away from the digital rush of daily life. Whether through self-portraits or figurative studies, his work seeks not only to capture appearance but to express a deeper state of being and shared human experience.
Biography
Born on June 01, 1976, Shaji K Panicker is a self-taught visual artist whose practice centers on observation, reflection, and human presence. Alongside his artistic work, he has an academic background in architecture and currently works as an Associate Professor at the School of Design & Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai.
Education
He holds a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Adelaide, Australia (2008), with research focused on postcolonial discourse in Indian architecture. He completed a Master of Architecture (Research) at the University of Newcastle, Australia (2003), and a Bachelor of Architecture from M.S. University of Baroda, India (1998).
Exhibitions
His work has been shown internationally, including Fabriano in Acquarello exhibitions in Italy (2017 and 2022), the 1st International Watercolor Biennale in Kuala Lumpur (2018), and regional exhibitions such as Sikka Art Fair in Dubai (2017), “Colors of Pride” in Dubai (2016), and “Art at India House” in Abu Dhabi (2016).
Awards
His recognitions include the Best Professor in Traditional Architecture Studies award at the Abu Dhabi Education Leadership Awards (2019), international research scholarships from the University of Adelaide, and mentoring students to fourth place in the Battle for Education Initiative international design competition (2021). His works are also held in private collections in India, Australia, and the UAE.
Artistic Style
Panicker mainly works with watercolor and ink, using their fluid and unpredictable qualities to explore themes of solitude, vulnerability, and contemporary human experience. His compositions often focus on empty space and quiet presence, aiming to create moments of reflection and connection beyond the pace of digital life. Figurative studies, self-portraits, and urban observations form an important part of his visual language.
Additional Information
He has led community and educational art projects, including mural mentorships and sustainable art installations with students. He is a member of the International Watercolor Society (Dubai Chapter) and Urban Sketchers Dubai, and he co-founded the Bangalore Sketch Crawl initiative. Architectural sketches by the artist are permanently displayed at the School of Design & Architecture, MAHE Dubai.
Masterpieces by Shaji K Panicker
