Artist Uses Nails To Create Intricate Portraits

Wajid Khan, from Indore in central India, completed his first nail portrait, of Mahatma Gandhi, in 2005 but it was a lengthy process.

He said: “The first portrait of Mahatma Gandhi was very difficult as it took three years to complete. And even today an average one takes between six and seven months.”

Since 2005 Wajid has produced a series of portraits of iconic figures including his most recent, an image of Mother Mary and Jesus, made from 115,000 nails.

The 35-year-old explained: “This is an important portrait for me. My mother used to narrate the story of Mother Mary to me.

"I always thought of making a portrait like this one because there is no better mother than her in this world.”

Wajid uses specially treated nails that don’t rust and believes that his labour-intensive approach and innovative techniques give a great depth to his artworks.

He said: “When you see this painting in a proper lighting, it gives a three dimensional look.”

“The special thing about this art is that when you look at it from the front, all the nails seem to be flat, like this world.

“But when you change your view it looks like a portrait. It’s how we see a person in real life.”

Apart from nails, the innovative artist has used bullets, spoons and car parts and claims to have used between 400 and 500 different types of materials in his works.

In 2014 he created a portrait of a crying girl using medical equipment - including scissors and a stethoscope - to highlight the ‘Save The Girl Child’ campaign.

Wajid’s artworks now sell for up to £118,000 but his comfortable life as a successful artist is a world away from his difficult upbringing.

He explained: “I failed fifth class and I was thrown out of my house.”

With his formal education over, Wajid began selling worn-out clothes on footpaths.

He explained: “I was an unsuccessful man. I used to sleep on roads and used to sell old clothes. That was my only source of income."

But one day inspiration struck and Wajid's life was changed forever.

He said: "One day I saw a bird making a nest, and that bird became my inspiration. I thought if she can make a nest, so can I. And from there my journey started.”

Inspired by the bird, Wajid began building things.

“I wanted to do something so my family would see me with respect. I was a fifth class fail so I had to prove that I can do things too.”

At the age of 14, Wajid invented the world’s smallest iron, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records. 

He said: “I thought I would get some fame but I didn’t. Then I made the world’s smallest ship and I was appreciated.”

Encouraged by his success as an inventor, Wajid began building robots and then started creating his artworks in 2002. 

He explained: "I wanted to gain some respect and, after making such portraits, people now respect me a lot.”

Wajid is now working on a number of projects, including a commission to design a unique sculpture for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but is not getting carried away with his artistic acclaim.

He said: “I have seen a lot of twists in my life.

“I have enough money and fame. I don’t think money is important to me now. I want to live a simple life.”