Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni: The First Emirati Artist to Paint Nikola Tesla

Ahmed Al Awadhi Rukni

Ahmad Al Awadhi, known in the art community as Rukni, is a prominent artist from the United Arab Emirates, dedicated to preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage. At 63, Rukni is a well-known figure in the Gulf’s art scene, frequently seen at numerous art exhibitions and cultural events, skillfully balancing his time between business and art. By day, he is a businessman, but by night, he fully dedicates himself to painting, when his artistic passion truly flourishes. His art captures the essence of traditional Emirati life, from the intricate architecture of old houses to desert landscapes and cultural symbols like coffee pots and lamps. Over time, his style has evolved to include vibrant pop art portraits of iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo, Al Pacino, Lady Diana, the Dalai Lama, Charlie Chaplin and many others.

Sharjah-born artist Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Emirati—and possibly the first Arab artist—to paint a portrait of the legendary scientist and inventor, Nikola Tesla. In a unique blend of simplicity and spiritual depth, Rukni’s work offers a fresh, introspective look at one of the 20th century’s greatest minds.

The portrait is a reinterpretation of one of Tesla’s famous photo portraits, yet with a significant twist. The background is a serene light blue, evocative of cast skies and infinity, offering a visual metaphor for the boundlessness of Tesla’s genius and his visionary ideas, which continue to shape our world today. This subtle yet striking choice of color sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Tesla’s persona, not just as a scientific figure but as a spiritual thinker.

Rukni masterfully uses shades and aura-like shadows to shed light on Tesla’s spiritual side. The almost “blot art” technique adds a dynamic layer of complexity to what first appears as a simple portrait. It breaks the initial impression of simplicity, inviting viewers to delve into the mysterious and multifaceted life of Tesla. This artistic approach emphasizes the harmony between Tesla’s scientific brilliance and his lesser-known metaphysical reflections, bridging the realms of science and spirituality.

Rukni also allowed viewers a rare glimpse into the creative process behind the work. He recorded a short time-lapse video that captures the creation of the portrait from start to finish. This not only adds a layer of transparency to the artistic process but also highlights the deliberate, thoughtful strokes that shaped this intriguing portrayal.

This groundbreaking work is a milestone in the art world, particularly within the Arab artistic community. Nikola Tesla, while globally recognized for his contributions to science and technology, has rarely been the subject of Arab artworks. Rukni’s portrait stands as a cultural bridge, bringing Tesla’s story into the artistic conversations of the Middle East.

In combining artistic simplicity with profound depth, Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni’s portrait of Nikola Tesla invites us to reflect on the inner dimensions of a man whose ideas extended far beyond the technological realm, touching on the infinite.

Article: Ana Stjelja (Ana S Gad)

Photo / Video: Ahmed Al Awadhi Rukni