Igniting life into 3D Art– the creative genius of Mr. Akbar Momin
“I wake up at 3 am each day because that is the hour when the Divine descends and talks to you” so says the natural- gifted and extremely creative artist, Mr. Akbar Momin. A native of Gujarat, he takes Canta Dadlaney through the incredible journey of his initial struggles and how he transcended them to become as everyone calls him today, ‘the King of 3D art”.
Born in an underprivileged family, Akbar Momin was recognized for his flair for artistic sketches and paintings even while in school. During his years in the 8th and 9th standards, his teachers spotted his innate talent and advised his parents to send him to Bombay to enhance his skills at the J.J. School of Art. After completing his Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C.) he left for Bombay (now Mumbai) where his advocate Uncle guided him through the admission process. Impressed by his earlier sketches and paintings, admission was a cakewalk for the young lad who selected Fine Arts. However, lady luck was not yet ready to shower her best on him.
You quit J.J. School of Art after 8 months. Why?
It was a government institute then and the fees were nominal. However, after 8 months of pursuing the Fine Arts, I realized what an expensive affair the course was going to be. Every new assignment involved buying a host of varied materials. These came at a price and the demand never seemed to decrease. I had absolutely no funds.
The dynamics of Mumbai city did not intimidate you and you stayed back.
I was struck with wonder at this city which I knew held many opportunities to those who are ready to brave it all. I was 21 and had promised my folks that I would do well. I managed to get some work at Mehboob studios in Bandra. It involved painting the posters of new Hindi films on canvas. I worked hard and my work was appreciated a lot but I quit after almost 8 months. There was no scope for growth and the payments were erratic. Some acquaintances and a well-wisher asked me to pursue commercial art. This involved spray painting and other nuances. I worked on this new venture for 4 years by working in a Press. I would do the scree-printing work inside a hut and was paid Rs 7 per day!
How did you manage to survive on that?
I barely slept. I took up odd jobs, tutored students and made an additional Rs 200. I was determined to make a success of my skills.
When did you venture out on your own?
After 4 years. I ventured into screen printing without an extra pair of hands. I would take up special contracts e.g., Decoupage. Maxwell was a company based out of the Marol pipeline area. They were into ‘packaging boxes’. They motivated me a lot. Though I managed everything single-handedly, they would, whenever possible, offer me an assistant. My earnings varied between Rs. 700 and Rs. 1000 a month. Three years later, I started my own business. I rented very humble premises and started accepting contracts from various companies. I employed a few individuals and delegated individual responsibilities to everyone. I then indulged in sticker-making as well. Slowly both work and money came my way. I bought a flat in Jogeshwari for 90 thousand and then called my wife to Mumbai.
Did your wife assist you in your work?
My wife was a qualified primary teacher and she started her own tuition classes. Together, we complemented our incomes. To save money I allowed my 6 employees to operate from my flat but that changed soon as the other residents openly expressed their displeasure. I was comfortable enough to divert my work to an industrial estate in Jogeshwari. Thanks to the goodwill of my happy clientele, word spread and I started getting orders for stickers for the flight kitchen products of Air India and Indian Airlines (what you find at the rear of the butter/jam and other snacks).
Was this a turning point in your life?
I guess it was. The orders were consistent and the payments were always on time. The flight kitchen authorities then demanded Rotogravure printing (engraving an image onto an image carrier) which was alien to me. I sent one of my employees for a professional course. Once he qualified, I bought the requisite machinery and setup a separate unit. I then got into barcode-making as well.
When did you decide to finally shift gears on your inherent passion for painting?
In the year 2015. I moved out or you can say, retired as soon as I handed the reins to my sons. I have two sons. They studied abroad, in Canada and are now managing the 4 units which I started. I then went bazooka with my painting.
Your paintings are extremely unique. What inspires you and how do you intellectualize them?
Look, I explore places, observe people and if something fascinates me, I just use my brushes to bring it alive in creative ways. Once when I was strolling on Marine Lines, I noticed many young couples enjoying the ambience. I changed the background and gave the painting a different twist.
Have you been interviewed on television channels?
I have been exploited by some channels. One of the leading channels had invited some of the most creative artists from across India. We were asked to reach the studios at 9.30 am sharp. We were made to wait until 6.30 pm without any updates on any action about the schedule. Not a cup of tea was served save for a glass of water. That is the hospitality extended to artists. Every medium likes to exploit us. None of us complained but surely this is not the way to treat any talent. I still receive invitations and hope I don’t have to undergo such a harrowing experience again.
A noteworthy mention where your talent has been respectfully acknowledged?
Of course. India’s most talented actor, Mr. Kamal Hassan contacted me during the shooting of his movie, ‘Hey Ram’. He sent me flight tickets (Jamnagar-Chennai- Jamnagar) to understand and execute the creative. Kamal Hassan was denied permission for a particular scene in the outdoors. His team then created it indoors. I was there for only 3.5 hours and along with his team, we were able to do justice to the creativity. As soon as I reached the airport for my return flight, someone just came over and handed me an envelope. It was a monetary appreciation from the actor himself. It’s not about the money but the courtesy extended.
From the man on the road to festivals, nature and even film stars, every offering of yours is extremely different from the other. How did the PM Modi — Amit Shah painting come about?
An artist does not necessarily go by a schedule e.g., first this subject and then that subject. I am not an academically trained artist at all. At this stage of life, I make an honest admission about my skills i. e. unless I don’t do something radically different, my skills will cease to inspire others. When you create a painting on a global leader like our honorable Prime Minister, Mr. Modi and Mr. Amit Shah, people wake up to the distinctiveness of your work.
Why did you decline the $1 billion for your art on Mr. Modi and Mr. Amit Shah?
I don’t trade such work for monetary benefits. I believe that if you do this, you will lose your skills forever. I have been approached by quite a few people to create similar art or paintings which I undertake at a fee, of course. After all, there are no free lunches in life but this particular art of Mr. Modi and Mr. Amit Shah — no, never for sale.
What if Mr. Modi himself comes and makes a generous offer?
Believe me, I would love for the PM to come once and see this work in person. If he makes an offer of $1 billion, well, I would ask him to adorn the walls of the Sansad Bhavan with the painting. As for the money, I wouldn’t take a single rupee. But yes, I would ask the Gujarat authorities to help build a museum for arts to enable artists to exhibit their creative works not only from Gujarat but from across India.
At 67, Akbar Momin is a happy man, living in the bliss of creating mesmerizing art and keeps reiterating the fact that he is ‘not’ a trained artist but has divine blessings to do make stirring art works.
From running a screen-printing process in a hut to owning 4 business units in Bombay, he lives in Gujarat on the premises of an acre of land, and has converted another acre into a waterpark. An artist par excellence whose 3D works should grace the auction halls of Christie’s!
Canta Dadlaney
