Raisa Rajan, a Dubai-based facilities manager by day and artist by night, showcases her eco-conscious “Zarute” artworks at Christie’s Dubai. Blending jute and gold thread, her pieces reflect Indian-UAE heritage and environmental values, earning global attention from COP28 to the art world.
By day, Raisa Mariam Rajan manages the operational complexities of a facilities management company. By night, she transforms into a contemporary artist—painstakingly crafting sustainable artworks that have now earned a coveted spot at Christie’s Dubai, one of the world’s most prestigious art auction houses.
Rajan’s artistic journey is nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a passion project—working late hours to combine traditional Indian materials like zari (gold thread) with jute rope—has blossomed into a movement she calls ‘Zarute’. This signature technique blends cultural heritage with a commitment to environmental sustainability, producing pieces that are both visually compelling and socially conscious.
Currently, her works are featured in “Canvas for Change: A Sustainable Future”, an ongoing exhibition at Christie’s Dubai that runs until August 21, 2025. The show brings together seven visionary artists who use their creative voices to champion climate awareness and sustainability. Among them, Rajan’s installations stand out for their intricate craftsmanship and deep personal narrative.
“Art should not only be beautiful—it should mean something,” says Rajan. “Sustainability is not a passing trend; it’s a responsibility that we carry forward from our traditions.”
Rajan’s debut in Dubai’s high-art scene began at 1604 Artspace in Business Bay, where she held a solo exhibition earlier this year. Her unique textile work, inspired by both Indian heritage and UAE’s multicultural ethos, immediately caught the attention of a representative from Christie’s Middle East. This chance encounter led to an invitation to feature in their sustainability-themed exhibition.
But her work hasn’t just been confined to galleries. In December 2024, Rajan was invited to showcase her eco-conscious creations at COP28 Dubai, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Her installations there addressed the urgent need for climate action, resonating deeply with a global audience and earning praise from environmental advocates and art critics alike.
The materials Rajan uses—zari, recycled jute, discarded fabrics—are all chosen with intention. Her creative process involves hours of hand-weaving, meditative knotting, and layering textures that convey stories of resilience, nature, and femininity. Each piece carries a message about the need to reconnect with the earth while honoring the cultural past.
Visitors to Christie’s have been captivated by the emotional weight of her art, which juxtaposes the fragility of materials with the strength of the message they carry.
“Raisa’s work is a powerful example of how art can drive sustainability and still retain deep cultural meaning,” said a Christie’s curator. “Her dual identity as a business leader and artist adds a unique dimension to her narrative.”
Rajan continues to balance her corporate responsibilities with her artistic calling—a duality that she says keeps her grounded.
“There’s a misconception that business and creativity are separate,” she explains. “But both require vision, discipline, and purpose.”
With her art now hanging alongside internationally acclaimed sustainable artists, Raisa Rajan is fast becoming a name to watch—not just in Dubai’s thriving art scene, but on the global stage.
As the world begins to value both sustainability and heritage in art, creators like Rajan are leading the way, proving that you can weave tradition, innovation, and responsibility into one powerful canvas.
Exhibition Details:
Christie’s Dubai, DIFC
Now until August 21, 2025
Exhibition Title: Canvas for Change: A Sustainable Future
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