Legendary artist, scuba diver, and innovator, Sarudhaaru Dhon Manik (Dhombe) has passed away on Thursday, aged 93.
Known by many as the Father of Art in the Maldives, Sarudhaaru Dhon Manik, who often signed his paintings ‘SDM’, was a creative trailblazer for those who would come after him. Hailing from a family of craftsmen, Ismail Ahmed (his real name) was the son of Sarudhaaru Kaleygefaanu and Thuthu Manike. His father was known for his skilful carvings on tombstones and Arabic calligraphy, while his maternal grandfather was renowned for his coral stone carvings and artwork.
While SDM spent much of his youth engrossed in art and portrait making, it was the advent of tourism in the Maldives that allowed him to fully utilize his potential. SDM was the pioneer of ‘souvenir art’, a new movement that emerged amid the country’s thriving tourism industry in the 1970s. The first souvenir t-shirt with a shark head on it was designed and illustrated by him.
Among other notable achievements under his belt, he was the first editorial illustrator of Maldives’ first printed news publication, ‘Sarukaaru Khabar’. SDM was also part of the team that designed and produced the very first Maldivian currency notes, created using custom-made ruler drawings in ink.
Furthermore, as the country’s very first scuba diver, the marine world evidently proved to be an endless inspiration for him. He maintained a meticulous documentation of the Maldivian marine life, illustrating one of the first posters of shells and fishes commonly found in the Maldives. Without the use of any photographic assistance, SDM often relied purely on his memory to capture the underwater scenes he witnessed on his dive session. An environmental aficionado, he was deeply passionate about and respected all living things, having once said in an interview, “even if a creature like a sea urchin could harm you, you can still admire and love it”. Sarudhaaru Dhon Manik followed his innate curiosity and trod the world fearlessly, paving the way for other local artists to pursue their calling. Over his years as an artist, SDM not only produced a vast collection of work, but he also taught his craft extensively across the country. Having built a remarkable life that many would emulate and find deep inspiration in, his passing is undoubtedly a great loss to the local art community and the entire nation.