A New Chapter for an Old Friend: Atul Panase at DIAC
- Purva Grover
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The soft launch of the studio was marked by laughter, generous helpings of karak chai, sweets, and spirited conversations. It's intentional; we have included no pictures of the studio.
The stage is almost set. But isn't there something magical about those quiet, chaotic moments before the curtains rise? The scent of fresh paint still lingers in the air. Bubble-wrapped canvases lie scattered alongside brushes, exhibition catalogs, and tubes of color. It's the kind of creative mess only an artist could love.
In the midst of it all stands Atul Panase—overwhelmed, humble as ever. While he fusses over the final touches, the UAE art community, many of whom have admired his work, learned from his workshops, or silently followed his live demos, gathers in quiet anticipation.
A master of watercolors and a household name in the UAE's art scene, Atul has just announced his newest chapter. Over the weekend, he made it official: the Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) is now home to his permanent studio. Nestled within the Art Café on DIAC’s ground floor, the space will serve as his creative den—a place to paint, mentor, share, and dream. Atul, a long-time DIAC member, will be present during the café’s opening hours. Visitors are encouraged to book an appointment through the center to witness his process up close—a rare and intimate glimpse into a master at work.
The soft launch of the studio was marked by laughter, generous helpings of karak chai, sweets, and spirited conversations. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of Daniel Smith’s "Atul Panase Palette" (Dot Card)—a proud moment not just for Atul, but for the regional art fraternity. For someone who has lived and created in Dubai for over 25 years, it was a fitting tribute. As brand ambassador for Daniel Smith and the UAE country leader for "Fabriano in Acquarello," Atul has tirelessly championed the visibility of watercolor artists in the region, helping their work reach global platforms.
Until recently, I’ll admit, I knew little of DIAC—despite it being one of the oldest art institutions in Dubai. Many artists, however, fondly recall it as their starting point. As someone at the launch said, “Anyone new to Dubai who googles how to begin an art career inevitably lands at DIAC.” Long before the emergence of art spaces like Alserkal Avenue or DIFC, DIAC quietly nurtured talent behind its unassuming walls.
What DIAC may lack today is visibility beyond the artist community. It needs to attract art lovers, curious visitors, and those who find joy in experiencing creativity up close.
That’s precisely what Atul hopes to change, along with the contributions from the art fraternity.
“I want this studio and café to be a hub,” he says. “A place where artists can gather, where collectors and curators can drop by, where experts can host workshops, and where creative energy flows freely.”
And it’s already happening. Walk in on any given day, and you’ll likely find him at his easel, music playing softly in the background (yes, it’s integral to his process), brush in hand, inviting you into a conversation. The space isn’t limited to watercolors—it serves as a launchpad for creativity across genres, open to collaborations, workshops, and new ideas.
For someone who began sketching at seven and painting at 11, Atul’s journey from a diploma in mechanical engineering to a Master’s in Applied Arts has shaped a uniquely balanced perspective—technical precision meets emotive storytelling. Over the years, he has taught at institutions such as DIAC, Tashkeel, and the University of Sharjah. Teaching, he says, continually inspires him to evolve as an artist.
“Unfinished works appear more beautiful than finished ones,” he once remarked.
It’s a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of his new studio—always in motion, open-ended, and full of possibility.
So, if you find yourself in Jumeirah, be sure to drop by DIAC. Whether you’re a collector, hobbyist, or just an admirer of art, there’s now a new reason to walk through those doors.
After all, the curtains have only just risen.
Authored by Purva Grover
Purva Grover is an author, journalist, and creative entrepreneur. She is the founder-editor of storiesoverart.com, a sanctuary for all who find solace, inspiration, and purpose in art. In a world that often overlooks the significance of art, she stands firm in her belief that it is essential, more so than anything else.
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