NidaMakes
NidaMakes is a living archive: art rooted in heritage, blooming in LA. My work is inspired by nature, community, and the evolving relationship between people and the planet. Take a look around — I’m glad you’re here.“Of Seeds and Soul”
A 4x4" oil painting on canvas capturing the luminous heart of a blood orange, set against a dark ground adorned with Urdu calligraphy for 'happiness' ('khushi').
This 16x20" oil on canvas painting features a radiant arrangement of oranges, their vibrant hues symbolizing vitality and hope. Flowing across the composition is Urdu calligraphy from a poem by Faiz Ahmed Faiz, translated as:
“If the destination is unseen, it is sufficient to just strive / And if our union is difficult, it is sufficient to just yearn.”
The piece speaks to perseverance and longing, blending poetic reflection with the warmth of everyday beauty.
This 4x4" oil on canvas painting features a vibrant slice of watermelon, symbolizing resilience and cultural identity. The Arabic word "Hurriyah" (حرية), meaning "freedom," is inscribed in expressive calligraphy—an homage to the enduring spirit of Palestine. The piece blends bold color with quiet resistance, inviting reflection on liberation and belonging.
This 4x4" oil on canvas painting features a cluster of richly textured blueberries, rendered in deep, moody tones. Interwoven with the fruit is elegant calligraphy of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem Night Music, with the translated lines:
“Life feels like some strange dream / The whole world like a mirage seems.”
The piece evokes a quiet surrealism, blending the tangible with the poetic to reflect on longing, illusion, and beauty.
This 4x4" oil on canvas piece captures the bright, invigorating spirit of a lemon, imbued with the deep spiritual comfort and strength found in the Quranic phrase, "With patience and prayer.”
A 4x4" oil on canvas, this painting evokes tranquility through the soft, inner world of a fig, graced by the presence of Urdu calligraphy signifying 'peace' ('sukoon').
“Of Lexicon and Locales”
“Of Lexicon and Locales” is a watercolor and ink series exploring the universal human journey through the lens of language, architecture, and emotion. Each piece pairs a culturally resonant structure with a single word in Urdu or Arabic script — inviting viewers to reflect on the spaces where these values are found, sought, and shared.
This 8x10" watercolor and ink painting, framed in solid wood to 11x14", features a Moroccan-style door rendered in delicate washes and intricate linework. The Urdu word "Justajoo" (جستجو), meaning "search" or "discover," is inscribed with expressive calligraphy, inviting viewers into a contemplative journey through tradition, curiosity, and discovery.
This 8x10" watercolor and ink painting, elegantly framed in solid wood to 11x14", features a serene minaret rendered in soft washes and fine ink detailing. The Arabic word "Salaam" (سلام), meaning peace, is gracefully inscribed, evoking a sense of spiritual calm and cultural reverence.
This vibrant print is of a watercolor and ink painting captures the essence of Islamic architecture with its colorful domes and arches. The intricate patterns and rich hues create a dreamlike atmosphere. The artwork invites viewers to explore the beauty and complexity of historical structures.
Limited Edition prints, hand signed. Preorder.
This 8x10" watercolor and ink painting, framed in solid wood to 11x14", captures the charming facade of Urth Caffé in Los Angeles with warm, expressive brushwork. The Urdu word "Pyaar" (پیار), meaning "love," is delicately inscribed, infusing the everyday scene with a sense of affection, nostalgia, and cultural resonance.
This print is of a vibrant watercolor and ink painting captures the essence of Islamic architecture with its colorful domes and arches. The intricate patterns and rich hues create a dreamlike atmosphere. The artwork invites viewers to explore the beauty and complexity of historical structures with Ayat al Kursi in calligraphy.
Limited Edition print.
About Me
I'm Nida, a South Asian artist based in Los Angeles, blending cultural heritage with contemporary expression. My work explores everyday objects through a vibrant lens, often incorporating calligraphy and my heritage to evoke memory, identity, and place.
Whether you're here to explore, collect, or collaborate — welcome to my creative space.
