From Dubai CEO to Christie’s artist: Raisa Rajan's wild, woven ride

“I run a facilities management company by day — and by night, I’m weaving gold thread into art that ends up at Christie’s. It’s a double life, I know.”

That’s Raisa Rajan. Dubai-born, Kerala-rooted, CEO, architect, mother of two — and now, a sustainable artist showing at one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses.

In April, I unveiled my Zarute-Zari and Jute 2025 collections in a solo exhibition themed A reflection of nature at 1604 Art Space. The event drew several officials and distinguished guests, igniting excitement across the art community.

“Elena Adreoni’s unexpected visit and wholehearted support took me by surprise. Later, a Christie’s official arrived, saw my work, heard the story—and that was the moment everything shifted,” she says, still sounding half in disbelief.

Rope, Zari, and climate change

Her signature installation, Zarute, is made from raw zari threads and jute rope — a fusion of South Indian textile tradition and Emirati craft materials.

“The threads are finer than hair. I sourced them from Kanchipuram. It’s not the shiny stuff — it’s raw, authentic, full of character.”

And no, she doesn’t do art for beauty alone.

“My work speaks. It raises awareness — wildfires, climate change, environmental neglect. Art, for me, is activism in disguise.”

Sustainability is personal

Born and raised in Dubai to Indian parents, Raisa doesn’t see sustainability as a trend — it’s a responsibility.

“Sustainability means coming from your roots. My roots are India and the UAE — and I connect both through my materials. I use jute rope, because it’s part of both cultures. I use Zari because it’s part of my history.”

Even the way she talks about rope has depth.

“Historically, women would sit in circles, weaving thread and sharing stories. No TV. No social media. Just emotion, art, and community. I want my art to do the same — make people feel something. Create a connection.”

The architecture route (with a side of parental pressure)

“I always wanted to be an artist. But you know how it is — South Asian families. You get three career choices: doctor, lawyer, engineer. So I chose architecture — the artsy cousin of engineering.”

But even while drawing blueprints, her heart was elsewhere. “Architecture was the compromise. Art is the calling.”

Running a business, running on empty

Raisa isn’t just juggling — she’s full-on multitasking her way through life.

“I’m the CEO of a 45-year-old company my dad started. We handle cleaning, maintenance, interiors — very unsexy stuff. But necessary.”

So how does she balance spreadsheets by day and sculpture by night?

“There are days I cry. Days I want to quit. But then I remind myself — when I’m old, I want to look back and say, I did that. Not, I wish I had.”

Money, art and the myth of the starving artist

“There’s this stereotype that artists can’t make money. That you have to be rich to even attempt it. That’s nonsense.”

Raisa takes commissions from across the Middle East and South Asia. “Clients come with sustainability values, and I create custom artwork for them. Everything I do is story-driven.”

And yes, she gets paid.

“Art pays — if you’re consistent, authentic, and loud about what you stand for.”

From Guinness World Records to COP28

In 2022, Raisa earned a Guinness World Record for the most nationalities in a single art lesson — teaching 65 groups how to create sustainable art using just tissue and cornflour.

“It was a mad scramble. On December 1st, we had 75 nationalities. On December 2nd, only 45 confirmed. By December 3rd — the event day — we had 65. Don’t ask me how. Just know there was a lot of coffee involved.”

At COP28, she was given a 50-meter wall in the Blue Zone to showcase her work. “A blessing,” she calls it. “I got to talk about climate through art — not panels or papers. Just raw emotion.”

Why Dubai made it all possible

“Dubai made me. Every exhibition, every opportunity — this city gave me space to grow. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll see how generous the UAE is to creatives.”

She insists: “Never say no to a chance. Big or small, take it. That’s how you get to Christie’s.”

For the women trying to do it all

“Let’s be real. Women have it harder. Business, kids, husband, art — it’s a circus. Some days, I want to drop everything. But I don’t. Because I’m not here to be average.”

She adds with a smile, “My kids, my art, my business — all of them are my legacy. And I want to look back and be damn proud of it.”

Raisa Rajan’s work is currently on display at Christie’s Dubai until August 21. The exhibition, featuring seven sustainable artists, is a bold step forward for UAE-based creatives — and proof that art made with rope, thread, and purpose can hang next to the greats.