In a modest home in the Sheeri–Narvaw belt of Baramulla, colours speak louder than words. They spill across paper, wood, and walls, carrying within them the quiet determination of a 13-year-old boy who already knows what he wants from life. Uzair Mehraj Rather, a student with an unassuming smile and paint-stained fingers, is steadily carving a space for himself in the world of art—one brushstroke at a time.
Uzair’s journey into art began during his early school years, when sketch pens and simple drawings formed part of the curriculum up to Class 5. What started as a classroom subject soon transformed into a calling. “There is an artist in me, and I want to be an artist for my life,” Uzair says with clarity well beyond his years. “In school we were taught art in a limited way, but once you enter the art world, you realise how vast it is. Shades and colours have magic—they give imagination and recognition.”
That moment of realisation marked a turning point. Beyond textbooks and classrooms, Uzair discovered an expansive universe of acrylic paints, textures and themes. He began experimenting with colour, moving from basic sketches to detailed acrylic paintings, wall art and even painting on wood, including carefully crafted works on walnut wood pallets—an unusual medium for someone so young.
His talent did not remain confined to his home. Uzair’s works began finding space in school exhibitions, where teachers and peers alike took note of his growing skill. Soon, his paintings travelled beyond the school level, earning him recognition at higher platforms, including national-level competitions—an achievement that stands out for a student from a rural pocket of north Kashmir.
Much of Uzair’s artistic growth has been nurtured within the school ecosystem itself. Encouragement from his art teachers and exposure to structured art classes in higher grades helped sharpen his technique and confidence. Yet, behind this visible progress lies a quieter story of family support. A crucial boost came from his paternal aunt, Engineer Razia Hussain, who recognised his potential early and gifted him a costly and professional art kit—an investment that opened new creative possibilities for the young artist.
Family, in fact, forms the backbone of Uzair’s journey. “The enthusiasm and skill behind my art come from my grandfather, my mother Rashida Mehraj, and my father Mehraj Ahmad Rather,” Uzair shares. “They groomed me, hand-held me like a child, and provided me every kind of support for my artistic journey.” Their faith has allowed him the freedom to dream, explore and persist.
Uzair’s portfolio already reflects remarkable range. From intimate family sketches and portraits of friends to detailed renditions of his school principal, film celebrities, and iconic fictional characters like Walter White and Mr Bean, his work shows both technical control and emotional depth. Each sketch carries a story, each painting a reflection of keen observation.
Beyond portraits, Uzair is increasingly drawn towards using art as a means of cultural preservation. He speaks passionately about Kashmir’s traditional art forms, particularly Saproo, which he describes as endangered. “I want to work for my art, for Kashmir and its culture,” he says. “Through my paintings, I want to preserve what is slowly disappearing.”
Despite his deep engagement with art, Uzair remains a typical teenager at heart. Football is his favourite hobby, offering balance and release from long hours spent with brushes and canvases. This blend of discipline and play perhaps explains the quiet confidence with which he approaches his craft.
Looking ahead, Uzair dreams of joining reputed art organisations to formally train and refine his talent. He sees himself not just as a painter, but as a cultural storyteller—someone who can translate Kashmir’s landscapes, traditions and emotions into lasting visual narratives.
In an age dominated by screens and fleeting attention, Uzair Mehraj Rather’s devotion to art stands out as both refreshing and hopeful. His journey is still in its early chapters, but the intent is clear, the colours confident. From the classrooms of Sheeri–Narvaw to wider national platforms, this budding artist is painting a future shaped by passion, perseverance, and pride in his roots.
