In collaboration with the Royal Commonwealth Society, UK, the High Commission of Maldives in the UK, is holding the first Maldivian art exhibition showcased in the UK, titled ‘A Peace of Darkness’. The exhibition, which has been running from 15 December 2009 at Royal Commonwealth Society, was formally inaugurated by Lord Bilimoria on 6 January 2009. 

Speaking at the inauguration, Lord Bilimoria looked back on the recent developments in the Maldives and highlighted how rapid the positive developments have been since the new Government came into power. In his speech, he also hailed His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, the first democratically elected President of Maldives, as the Nelson Mandela of Asia. 

Mr. Abbas Faiz, Director of Regional Programme at Amnesty International also spoke at the inauguration. Mr. Faiz reminisced on times when Her Excellency Dr. Farahanaz Faizal, High Commissioner of Maldives, used to contact him, before she became the High Commissioner, to discuss the brutal events that were taking place in the Maldives during the former regime and of her ongoing quest to bring democracy to the nation.  

Speaking at the inauguration, Her Excellency Dr. Farahanaz Faizal, High Commissioner of Maldives, thanked everyone for being part of such a historic event and highlighted that this is a huge achievement for all Maldivians, as such an exhibition has never been opened in the UK before.  

Mr. Moosa Mamdhooh Ahmed, a Maldivian artist arrived London from the Maldives in December 2009 to assist in the setting up of the exhibition, where he is displaying his artwork for the first time abroad. His artwork has since received very positive reviews from the visitors to the art gallery.    

Two other Maldivian artists living in London are also displaying their artwork in the exhibition. Ms. Samah Ahmed’s work mainly relates to the fragility of the environment of the Maldives whereas, Mr. Naushad Waheed’s artwork depicts the brutality of treatment of prisoners in the Maldives during the days of the former regime.  

The inauguration was attended by diplomats and dignitaries from the British Government, parliament and journalists. It was also attended by the officials of the Maldives Students Association (UK) and other Maldivians living in the UK.  

The exhibition is scheduled to run from 15 December 2009 to end of January 2010 at the Royal Commonwealth Society.