A Maldivian island icon meets an artistic visionary

Baros Maldives hosts its first-ever art exhibition with acclaimed artist Ali Ishan

Light shimmers off the lagoon in soft silver ripples. Palms sway lazily in the salt-sweet breeze. And on this small coral isle, where time moves with the rhythm of the tides, inspiration hangs thick in the air. It’s little wonder artists are drawn here – Baros Maldives is the kind of place that begs to be painted, its beauty too layered, too alive, to be captured by even the most flattering Instagram filter.

This December, that beauty takes form in a new and unexpected way. Baros Maldives is transforming its tranquil paradise into a gallery under the palms. Partnering with celebrated Maldivian artist Ali Ishan, known affectionately as Kurahaa Rappé, the resort will host its first-ever art exhibition, a month-long celebration of the island’s natural heritage and creative spirit.

Ali Ishan’s work feels as if it’s born from the island itself: fluid, luminous and full of life. A self-taught artist and one of the country’s most revered creative voices, Ishan has spent decades turning Maldivian life and seascapes into vivid, textured stories. His latest body of work, created exclusively for Baros, does just that: it distils the island’s soul into paint and canvas.

His pieces are not literal representations, but emotional ones. The play of light on water. The curve of a shell. The hush of dusk as the sea mirrors the sky. It’s Baros, as seen through the eyes of someone who knows its essence – intimate, timeless and deeply human.

Rappé’s artistry runs deeper than aesthetic. Through his studio, Kurahaa Studios, which he co-founded with his wife Athifa Ali, he mentors young Maldivian artists and curates creative spaces in luxury resorts across the islands. His mission is to bring local art to the global stage – to show that the Maldives isn’t only about pristine beaches and overwater villas, but also about a rich cultural tapestry woven from craft, storytelling and tradition. Find out more about how you can learn about Maldivian culture at Baros in this article.

It’s this shared philosophy that makes the collaboration such a natural fit. For over five decades, Baros Maldives has epitomised understated luxury – an enduring icon of escape that champions authenticity over extravagance. Now, through art, it deepens that connection to place, inviting guests not just to visit, but to truly see.

Set in the resort’s open-air lounge, the exhibition will run for one month, with all works available for purchase. It’s a chance for guests to take home a piece of Baros, something far more enduring than a photograph – an artist’s impression of paradise.

Each painting becomes a portal back to the island: the shimmer of the lagoon, the hush of sunrise, the soft glow of lanterns over water. It’s a reminder that even in a world saturated with images, the human hand – and heart – can still see beauty differently.

In a destination known for its picture-perfect moments, Baros dares to go deeper. Through Ali Ishan’s brush, the island’s story is retold – not as a place to escape to, but as a muse to be felt, studied and remembered.

Whether you’re an art lover, a culture seeker or simply someone drawn to beauty in all its forms, Baros Maldives offers something truly rare: the chance to witness Maldives culture come alive in colour and light.

Discover the exhibition and plan your stay at Baros Maldives. Get in touch with our friendly team at [email protected].