In August 2023, the Prairies Art Gallery took place in Calgary as part of the Illume Visual Arts Festival. One of the pieces showcased was a work of art by 18-year-old Aman Ravji who passed away two days before the event.
Throughout much of his life, Aman was an avid and passionate artist. He lived by a powerful philosophy: find hope amidst struggle. Aman turned to art as an outlet for expression, evolving his passion into a powerful message of resilience and beauty amidst life's adversities. His parents, Shamira and Zulfikar, recounted their son's journey and the significance of the artwork at Illume
Aman aimed to be a guiding light for those who, much like himself, grappled with life-altering challenges. His passion for art was a testament to his creative spirit, leaving an indelible mark on the world. His talents knew no bounds; from water paintings to woodwork, he expressed his creativity in diverse ways. Metal sculptures, hand-crafted furniture, photography, pottery, and a range of water paintings, from abstracts to landscapes, all bore the imprint of his skill and the depth of his creative vision. Aman’s artwork was displayed at the Prairies Art Gallery, his last displayed art piece having been made while attending an event with other teens at the Kids Cancer Care.
The exceptional project that captured Aman's artistry and heartfelt sentiments was a meticulously crafted memory chest. Adorning it were powerful words from his high school graduation speech: "Family is where your story begins, the rest of the world is where your story unfolds." This piece reflected Aman's profound appreciation for family, marking the commencement of journeys and the ongoing narrative beyond.
In his short but impactful life, Aman received several scholarships. As a member of the Teen Leadership Program, he showcased leadership skills and worked to make a difference in the lives of young cancer patients. His core belief—that current circumstances shouldn’t determine one's ultimate ability—became a guiding light, inspiring participants to embrace their full potential despite current challenges.
Beyond personal success, Aman was passionate about positively impacting others. He championed resilience, empathy, and personal growth. Aman's legacy is a testament to the profound influence one person can have on the collective journey of growth and resilience.
Aman's parents, Zulfikar and Shamira Ravji stood as steadfast pillars of support throughout his journey. They helped develop the idea for a TED Talk, where Aman shared insights on "radical acceptance," advocating for acknowledging life's hardships with bravery and gratitude.
According to Shamira, the Ted Talk idea was practically entirely Aman’s work. “Aman and myself had discussed what would be something that would be helpful to others – something from his own experience that he could talk about definitively,” she explained.
Central to Aman's philosophy was the idea of embracing the "turning of the mind," a transformative process that shifts away from feelings of anger, bitterness, and rejection towards the liberating path of acceptance.
“You could say that he truly meant everything he said in it. This project was his philosophy because if you had met him, his attitude was to live life to the fullest,” said Zulfikar.
Zulfikar and Shamira emphasize that “Aman was so much more than his diagnosis…he left us with a lot of gifts.” As we reflect on Aman's impactful journey, his enduring message lingers—a call to embrace each moment, navigate challenges with courage, and weave our stories with threads of hope.
Aman Ravji’s spirit lives on and he will continue to be remembered in the transformative ripple of his philosophy; an everlasting reminder that even in the face of struggle, hope has the power to shape a legacy of resilience and love.
By Jahaan Kanji
Click on an image to expand.
