User:Faisal Mateen (Artist)

I am Faisal Mateen, Bhopal (MP,INDIA)-based artist. I've been into the field of paintings since 1990. I've participated in 21 Group & Solo Painting Exhibition including Jehangir art Gallery Mumbai, India. I've also worked as an art teacher in some of the most prestigious institutions of India in Dehrandun's "Oak Grove". Restoring Heritage to Life through Water Colour Paintings I grew up in Bhopal (madhya Pradesh,INDIA), and always marveled at the structures built in the past that stand gracefully in the heart of the 'old city'. They were a part of my childhood, my growing days. I used to stand awestruck in front of those giant, stunningly decorated structures little realizing that they are not only beautiful, they also help us understand what we are capable of as humans, they enrich our memory, stand witness to our civilization and improves our understanding of who we are. Nowadays we see in many places the old ‘heritage buildings’ and monuments are crumbling, some are in urgent need of repair, unnoticed, dangerously dilapidated, some are demolished as they are considered as a mere liability to the government. It bleeds my heart, as an artist to see, the structures that we revere so much for their artistic beauty and craftsmanship are crumbling into nothingness. I am a proud father of three wonderful children for whom, I want to leave a better world where our heritage, ideals, along with our code and standards are respected and duly preserved. I need this grant to hold big exhibitions, focused on structures built in different historic periods (especially those overlooked), that need immediate attention. I need financial assistance to make this happen. I’ll share this core feeling with our nation, and the world by reviving the beauty of our heritage, our legacy through my water colour paintings.

The more people are aware, the more they will look for ways to promote the buildings and monuments to attract visitors which will generate big revenue to preserve those structures. I seek to help people realize that it is a matter of national importance, as those are our only real, tangible connection that we have with history.