Portrait of the world: Nikita Neogy’s art offers insights into appearances
- Last updated: January 1, 2026 | 13:17
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Nikita Neogy is a 15-year-old visual artist from New Zealand, currently resident in Dubai. A student of Grade 10 in Universal American School, Dubai, she says her “art journey has largely been self-taught, especially as my skills developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. That time was a period of independent practice and exploring online art classes, where I built my artistic foundations in various art mediums.” She is drawn to realism and portraiture, aiming to depict the world and people authentically.
For her, art is not only about what she sees — it is about conveying a specific story or emotion and encouraging the viewer to feel the same emotions she did.
“Art is my way of understanding and expressing the observations about the world around me,” Nikita says. “It is a continuous process of learning and exploration. My goal is to create work that is insightful and invites viewers to engage with the narratives I present.”
She has been a high achiever and her key achievements include being an art scholarship student at Universal American School, Dubai, for the past few years; being an International Icon Talent Record Holder; winning the Realistic Artist of the Year Award 2025 by Media Waves; being the 1st winner in GCC’s largest Annual Student Art Show 2025 at age 14; being the 1st winner in Voices of the UAE Student Competition 2025, at age 14; being the 1st Winner of COP28 Toyota Dream Car Sustainability Art Contest 2023, at age 13; receiving the Leonardo da Vinci award at school in Grade 7, age 12; participating in numerous prestigious exhibitions; being featured in DXB Network in the article The world in her eyes - 14 year old Nikita Neogy; being featured in Khaleej Young Times 2025; and having her artistic journey published in Al-Futtaim magazine, Momentum, in 2024 at age 13. Nikita Neogy speaks to Gulf Today
Where do you find subjects for your art?
I’m constantly searching for subjects that possess a deep, layered story, often found in people’s faces on social media platforms or in real life. Since I love realism, typically I look for subjects that challenge me technically but also hold powerful emotional truths. I seek out expressions that show endurance, kindness, or moments of quiet introspection. I believe that a portrait is a collaboration: the subject gives the story, and the paint gives it permanence and a platform that allows the world to interpret it in its own way. My focus is always on translating the human narrative, not just transferring mechanical appearance onto the canvas.
What are the stories you like to tell?
The stories I enjoy telling are human and relatable, focusing on themes like resilience, reflection, and the complexities of personal identity. My ambition is always for the viewer to feel the emotion and engage with the underlying truth I am trying to share.
How has the UAE influenced your art?
The UAE has been an incredible environment for growth. The cultural diversity here is a constant source of inspiration, offering endless opportunities to capture different stories and perspectives in my portraits. Platforms like the Voices of the UAE student competition (300+ students) and the GCC’s largest Annual Student Art Show (ASAS 2025 — 1200+ students), which culminated in my 1st place wins, provide a huge stage.
How do your classmates regard your art?
My classmates and teachers are wonderfully supportive. They are genuinely curious, especially about the technical aspects of art. Their positive feedback and interest definitely motivate me to keep pushing my boundaries and exploring new, challenging work.
Who supports you most in your work?
My parents are my most important support system. They offer constant encouragement during the long hours of work and the occasional challenge that comes with tackling a difficult piece. This, combined with the helpful guidance and critiques from my school art teachers, creates the perfect environment for me to learn and create freely.
What are the mediums you like to work with? Acrylic, pencil, oil ...
Initially, my work began with pencil and charcoal. Now my primary focus is on acrylics and oils. I use acrylics for speed and sharp detail, especially when layering. However, I truly love oils for my most detailed portraits and for the luxurious texture, subtle colour transitions and the rich, deep quality that it gives to a portrait for an authentic feeling.
How has digital art impacted your work?
I often use digital platforms to quickly sketch multiple compositions, test out different colour palettes, or resolve structural problems, before I commit to the physical canvas. This process makes my traditional painting much more efficient and focused, saving valuable time and material.
How has taking part in exhibitions and winning prizes affected you?
Participating in exhibitions moves my art beyond my little home studio, turning it into a public gathering. This process has connected my work to a wider audience. Each prize and exhibition has been a humbling experience and a precious source of encouragement.
Would you like to be a full-time art professional in future?
Ideally, I want art to be the main focus of my future career. I recognise that being a professional artist is a broad path. Whether I work as a commissioned artist or apply my creative vision to fields like illustration, art direction or concept design, I aim for a professional life that will incorporate my deepest passion for art.