Marya Adnan is a female contemporary artist from the Dawoodi Bohra community, born in 1997 and raised in the vibrant city of Dubai. A graduate of the American University in Dubai with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Marya began her career as an interior designer in a leading design studio. After practicing for a few years in the field, she made the bold transition to embrace her passion and become a full-time artist.

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Her artistic journey began during a time of deep personal transition. The uncertainty of the COVID era and the shift into motherhood brought about a period of introspection. It was during this time that Marya returned to painting—a passion she had set aside since school. This return was not just a creative outlet, but a way to reconnect with herself. Painting became her means of finding clarity and calm in the midst of life’s unpredictable changes.

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Marya’s art is rooted in the belief that beauty lies in simplicity and harmony. Drawing inspiration from nature—whether it’s the gentle rhythm of the sea, lush greenery in a park, or quiet moments during her travels—she creates serene, expressive works that transform everyday spaces into places of calm and reflection. Her practice is also deeply influenced by her cultural identity, subtly weaving elements of Islamic art and heritage into her pieces.​​​