1. Hi Mamoon! Tell us a little bit about your art background. Where did you do your schooling and art degree?
I hold a Fine Arts degree in Painting from the National College of Arts, Lahore. Trained as a painter, my work emphasizes strong color language, line quality, and expressive visual storytelling. Alongside my fine art practice and exhibitions, I have built a career as an illustrator and concept artist, creating children’s book illustrations, character designs, and imaginative visual worlds that bridge fine art and storytelling.
2. What media do you work with? And which artists are you inspired by?
I primarily work with acrylic on board, as I enjoy the firmness of a hard surface compared to canvas. I am inspired by artists such as Pieter Bruegel, who was a master of landscape painting, often incorporating naturalistic details and innovative perspectives. His work subtly critiques social structures and human behavior, and his groundbreaking style and subject matter influenced generations of artists who followed. I also deeply admire Leonardo da Vinci, from whom I continue to study drawing and techniques; his versatility and intellectual depth have always been a guiding influence. In addition, David Hockney’s vibrant use of color, as well as his depictions of landscapes, interiors, pools, and reflections, greatly inspires my exploration of light, color, and atmosphere.
3. Tell us about your journey so far as an artist.
I began my journey at the Naqash School of Arts and gradually expanded into illustration and concept art, exploring storytelling through visuals. Alongside my studio practice and exhibitions as a fine artist, I’ve collaborated with worldwide clients on children’s books, branding, and design. My path has been about balancing my roots as a painter with the evolving language of illustration, allowing me to grow as both a fine artist and a visual storyteller.
4. What is the concept behind your debut solo show?
The concept behind my debut solo show, Where Dreams Play Wild, is about exploring a dreamlike state where imagination and reality merge seamlessly. This dreamlike world reflects the idea of a “dream within a dream,” where ordinary moments are transformed into extraordinary visions. Through bold color, expressive strokes, and layered storytelling, the show invites viewers to step into a realm where dreams run freely, unbound by logic, and play wild in the landscape of the subconscious.
5. Your style of painting reminds us of digital graphic animations from the 80s and the 90s. How did you develop this style?
My style has developed through a combination of my fine art training and my experience as an illustrator and concept artist. While my foundation is rooted in classical painting—working with acrylic, studying masters like Pieter Bruegel and Leonardo da Vinci—I’ve also been influenced by contemporary visual culture, including digital media and animations from the 80s and 90s. I was always fascinated by their bold colors, stylized forms, and surreal narratives, and I translate some of that visual energy into painting. Over time, I began blending traditional painterly techniques with a more graphic, illustrative approach, creating a hybrid style that bridges fine art with the language of digital animation.
6. How important is it for an artist to have a distinctive style?
Having a distinctive style is very important for an artist because it becomes their visual identity—the language through which their ideas are recognized and remembered. A unique style allows the artist to stand out, communicate consistently, and build a deeper connection with the audience. At the same time, I believe style is not something to be forced; it naturally develops through practice, exploration, and staying true to one’s interests and experiences.
7. Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself continuing to grow both as a fine artist and as an illustrator, expanding my practice onto larger platforms. I hope to showcase my work on cross-disciplinary projects and push my visual language further into immersive experiences, whether through painting, illustration, or conceptual storytelling. Most importantly, I see myself evolving while staying true to the core of my practice: creating art that bridges reality and imagination, and connects with people on a deeper, emotional level.
