An interview with an upcoming artist from Singapore: Zainab Topiwala

Zainab Topiwala is a 14-year-old budding artist from Singapore. A student at Little Artists Singapore, she has recently garnered international recognition with the opportunity to exhibit her painting at the prestigious Linda Farrell Gallery in Paris. In this interview, Zainab reflects on exhibiting in the City of Art and the initial artistic inklings that sparked her creative path.

When did your art journey begin?

When I was just 7 years old! I still remember my very first drawing—a horse and a honeybee. I had an opportunity to present it to our community leader, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who acknowledged my work and instructed my parents to take me to meet his daughter-in-law, Zaenab Imaduddin, an accomplished artist in her own right. That moment became the turning point for me. She encouraged my parents to nurture my interest in art through a cultural lens, demonstrating that when artistic expression is rooted in meaningful values, it creates a deeper connection and purpose.

What was the first piece that made you feel proud?

My charcoal drawing of a horse. I was 9 years old and had been given my first set of charcoal pencils by my aunt for my birthday. It was especially tricky to shade the muscles and get the proportions right, but I was very happy with how it turned out. 

Where do you find your inspiration?

I’m attracted to beauty in nature, so landscapes inspire me. I am also drawn to symmetry in architecture and cultural details like frescoes that make a building interesting. I was totally enchanted by the beauty of the painted ceilings at the Palace of Versailles and the magnificence of Jame al Anwar in Cairo. 

More recently, I have developed a fascination for Japanese Manga illustration. The medium’s unique visual language, including stylised backgrounds and character expressions, creates a captivating reading experience. Manga also offers a gateway to understanding different cultures and perspectives, making it a valuable tool for exploring diverse themes and ideas.

What’s your best piece of work and why?

My best work is a pencil sketch of a Manga character Kenjaku from Jujutsu Kaisen. I think it’s because Kenjaku is a complex character. He’s the primary antagonist with a very intriguing background. It was a challenge getting all the little details of his personality traits on paper.

The Linda Farrell Gallery in Paris provided a prestigious platform for your artwork. What did this experience mean to you on a personal and artistic level?

It was truly fabulous! The Parisians were so appreciative of all our artwork and gave us real and useful critique, even though ours was a group of young artists aged 9-18 years. With a sense of professional courtesy in those who came to see my work, I found a reassurance that the language of my paintings had been understood and appreciated.

I was selected, based on my technical skills and progress in my art classes, to display an oil painting of still life. Moreover, the trip served as an opportunity to witness firsthand the immense scope in the world of art that extends far beyond Singapore’s borders.

Apparently, Parisian Gallery owners are fastidious about the artists and the work they feature, so  I was very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. Not many people can claim they have exhibited their art in Paris! 

Growing up as a Dawoodi Bohra in Singapore, do you feel like your background influences the kind of art you make?

Yes, it definitely has. I often find myself drawing from my cultural heritage when I create. One example is a painting I made for a special milestone—a stylised emblem inspired by Arabic calligraphy, set within a sunflower surrounded by grapevines. It blended traditional symbolism with a natural, modern aesthetic.

What made it even more meaningful was sharing it with people who hadn’t seen that kind of work before. My teachers and classmates were genuinely curious, and it sparked conversations about the stories and influences behind it. That experience reminded me that art can be a bridge between different worlds, and that’s something I really value.

What has art taught you down the years?

Patience. Good things come to those who wait. It’s ok to fumble, and make mistakes. I’ve learnt not to give up easily and really push for what I believe in.