We are back with another fascinating story of a visionary artist. Introducing Numan Rawal – a wall painting artist who has induced life in numerous offices, residences and cafes in and around the city.

About the Artist:

Art is freedom of expression and an inspiration in itself. And Numaan Rawal’s unconventional journey seconds this saying. From having a clueless career path to becoming a self-made wall painting artist, Numan has managed to create a niche following for his artwork.

Whether it is a caricature, a realistic portrait or murals, Numan’s work strikes you like a thunder; once you catch a glimpse of it, you cannot break the gaze until you drink the entire picture in.

The Beginning:

Twenty-five years old Numan believes that nobody could be an artist by birth. If one has the natural tendency to create and indulge in creative expression, then it is because they have soaked it in from their surroundings at a young age. He says an artist is always gradually shaped and moulded by life rather than fate. As a young kid, Numan loved to draw, sketch & paint, a hobby that he picked up from his uncle who used to draw in his spare time. Just like the thousands of students in India, Numan has struggled to comprehend and keep up with the education system and faced an identity crisis at a very young age.

Numan reflects on how even his family couldn’t understand him at the initial stage. He remembers how they went to watch the movie – ‘Three Idiots’ and he had a meltdown in the cinema hall itself. Maybe that’s when his family really noticed where the problem was – being a mediocre student, Numan was struggling in the rat race to become an engineer. Not being able to score well was taking a toll on his self-esteem. But once the problem was out, his family encouraged him to join an animation course. During that period his articulate skills in visualizing and executing were noticed and acknowledged by the faculty. His first breakthrough – a wall painting project at a residence in Vapi, came to him around the year 2011 when he was barely out of school and had never dreamt of becoming a proficient artist.

Between the Strokes:

Numan fondly remembers the times when he did small jobs to pay for his animation course and later for his Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a specialization in Painting. He is happy that he earned it as it has made him appreciate everything even more. Presently, Numan works as a full-fledged wall painting artist and teaches fundamentals of drawings (basic to advance, creative art with the use of all mediums) to enthusiasts. After his first stepping stone where he painted a wall at someone’s house, he has never turned back. It proved to be a milestone in his life, as it further led him to pursue a degree course in fine arts. Since then Numan has enlivened the walls of numerous residences, offices, restaurants & cafes like The Khadi Cult, Coffee King, Travellers Cafe, Bean There Done That & Mystery Rooms to name a few.

Inspiration & Aspiration:

Numan believes that you should always dare to chase your dreams quite persistently. And once you get there, you should immerse yourself in it fully and wholeheartedly. What’s the point of experiencing the waves of the sea at the shores, where they touch your feet and fade away? Real nectar can only be tasted in the center of the sea, where you sail and dive, becoming a part of it. Numan’s greatest inspirations have been renowned painter Vincet Van God, famous comedian Charlie Chaplin and legendary actor Kader Khan. He aspires to one day visit a number of countries around the world and paint a wall in each one of them. He also envisions himself imparting his hard-earned knowledge and skills to students in some good college. He wants the legacy of art to live on, even when he is gone. And what could be the best way to spread the love for art than to teach them to others?