Creative Expression
"My artwork is created intuitively,
often leading to paintings that can be
linked to abstract expressionism.
For years, painting has been a private passion,
a personal sanctuary of introspection and
creativity that exists alongside my public life in
finance and global advocacy.
The creative process I am re-discovering allows me
to explore themes of energy and connection
and to explore the subconscious.
Professionally, as the Chair of a Swiss private bank, my
ethos is deeply rooted in understanding and valuing
the profound, often unspoken, needs of our clients.
The deep, empathetic engagement that I draw from my art
is the same sensitivity I want to bring to banking.
It is an honour to now share this deeply personal dimension
of my life, connecting with others through a universal
language of colour, form, and emotion."
Prof. Dr. Shanu S.P.
Paintings
Echoes of the Mind
Within each one of us resides a quiet power - the power of the mind, intertwined with the pure, luminous energy of the child.
The innocence of the child within, when nurtured, keeps us grounded, humble, and grateful and allows our spirit to be enlighten. It is this inner light that extends beyond the self, uplifting the world toward a higher vibration of being.
The grounding of the human form anchors us in this universal vessel, allowing the light within to flow outward, while the light from above descends to meet it.
This painting was born of meditation, a vision within, translated through the quiet movement of brush and hand, guided only by intuition.
The colors on this canvas mirror my own inward journey, a yearning to remain close to my inner child, and to the infinite light that connects us all.
For within each of us lies the power to preserve this sacred purity, to let our inner light outshine the darkness that sometimes lingers around us. And if each soul were to stay attuned to both the light within and the light beyond, our collective radiance could dissolve even the deepest shadows, restoring harmony to the world.
The Light of Dubai
The story behind this piece is deeply personal and spiritually rooted. It began after my last visit to Dubai, where I did an important interview and spent time observing the city’s extraordinary transformation. Through conversations with its people and witnessing its rhythm, I came to see Dubai as far more than a city. It emerged in my mind as a symbol of vision, innovation, and harmony, a place where tradition and progress walk side by side. That insight became the foundation for this work, which I titled The Light of Dubai.
As soon as my hand touched the canvas, the creative flow felt instinctive, guided by the spirit of the place and the stories of its people, the colors chose themselves.
At the center of the composition is the wagon wheel, timeless in its representation of motion, continuity, and the passage of time. Its turning reflects the ongoing progress and evolution of Dubai, a city in perpetual movement, radiating its influence far beyond its own borders.
At the heart of it are the hands of the ruler and his family, holding a cornucopia, inspired by the myth of Abundantia, the (roman) goddess of prosperity. These hands symbolize leadership, unity, and generosity. They represent not only material wealth, but spiritual and communal abundance, a shared prosperity that extends to people of all backgrounds. Above is the Third Eye, a symbol of inner vision, wisdom, and spiritual awareness, reminding us that true progress must be grounded in insight and divine guidance.
Surrounding this central motif are eight symbols, forming a sacred ring of meaning, an interwoven story of balance, resilience, and unity.
The flowing water represents the source of life and renewal. In Vedic and Islamic traditions, water embodies purification, fertility, and divine blessing. It cleanses both body and soul, connecting the earthly and spiritual realms. Here, it speaks to Dubai’s relationship with transformation and endurance, its power to bring life to the desert and to nurture growth and rebirth through balance with nature.
The dove stands for peace and coexistence. Across traditions, it is a symbol of purity, divine protection, and hope. In Islamic heritage, it recalls the story of the Prophet’s protection in the Cave of Thawr, a symbol of faith and divine assistance. In this painting, the dove evokes Dubai’s harmony among cultures and its enduring message of trust and compassion.
The sun and moon reflect the balance between light and shadow, reason and intuition, day and night. In Vedic thought, Surya (the Sun) is the source of vitality, truth, and divine consciousness, while Chandra (the Moon) governs emotion, intuition, and renewal. In Islam, their cycles mark the rhythm of prayer and time, guiding human life. Their union symbolizes the harmony of opposites and Dubai’s ability to balance tradition with forward vision.
The Zulfiqar sword stands for strength, courage, and justice. Rooted in Islamic tradition, it represents the valor and righteousness of Imam Ali, a symbol of divine authority and moral clarity. Its double blade signifies both physical and spiritual strength, reminding us that progress must always rest upon justice, wisdom, and integrity.
The flame or torch represents enlightenment and transformation. It is a symbol of awakening, both personal and collective, a beacon of divine guidance, inner light, and the power of knowledge to dispel darkness. It evokes the inner fire that propels progress and uplifts consciousness.
The Trishul, symbolizes divine power, balance, and the mastery of creation, preservation, and transformation. In Vedic tradition, it represents the three forces that sustain the universe and the control over the three aspects of human nature, mind, body, and spirit. The Trishul cuts through ignorance and illusion, guiding consciousness toward enlightenment. Within this context, it reflects the disciplined strength and spiritual awareness required to sustain Dubai’s evolution with harmony and purpose.
The olive branch recalls the sacred tree in both the Quran and ancient symbolism, a universal emblem of peace, healing, and divine blessing. The olive tree’s roots in the land and its enduring fruit symbolize prosperity and unity. Within this context, it mirrors Dubai’s role as a bridge between nations, faiths, and peoples.
The heart lies at the core of being. In Vedic philosophy, the heart is the seat of the Atman, the divine self, Bramapura, the city of Brahman, where love and consciousness converge. In Islamic thought, the qalb is the throne of divine mercy, the vessel of faith and moral intention. The heart in this painting represents love, compassion, and the unity of all creation, the spiritual center from which all connection flows.
The Third Eye, depicted in gold between the Trishul and the sword, symbolizes divine insight and the awakening of higher consciousness. In Vedic and Hindu tradition, it represents the Ajna chakra, the seat of intuition and spiritual wisdom, through which one perceives truth beyond the material world. It is the eye of awareness that transcends duality, guiding thought and action with clarity and purpose. Within this painting, it embodies enlightened leadership and vision, the capacity to see beyond what is visible and to govern with both wisdom and compassion.
This work envisions Dubai as a modern mandala, a living center of abundance, spiritual insight, and progress.
The wheel, always in motion, sends these energies outward, across lands and generations. The Light of Dubai is a visual prayer, a celebration of the values that unite us all.
The ruler, in his vision, has embarked on this journey and achieved these values and beyond for Dubai, and this spirit extends to nations far and wide. His commitment to progress, unity, and innovation has turned Dubai into a beacon of possibility, a place where ambition meets purpose, and where the light of his vision inspires the world.
Sketches on the Way to Rediscovering the Canvas
