Mariam Khawer, a Pakistani artist based in the UAE, is pushing the limits of traditional art with her experimental mixed media creations. Her unique approach to art – blending textures, color, and emotions – reflects not only her technical skill but also a deep exploration of self-expression and human connection. For Mariam, each piece is a journey of discovery, inviting her audience to engage in their own introspective voyages.
The Creative Process: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Mariam’s artistic journey is all about experimentation. “My artistic practice is a continuous exploration,” she says, “it is a journey of self-discovery and an invitation for viewers to embark on their own introspective voyages.” This open-minded approach, which emphasizes taking risks and exploring new techniques, allows her to constantly evolve her work.
Her style is an eclectic fusion of abstract expressionism and contemporary aesthetics, resulting in emotionally evocative compositions that combine elements such as paint, collage, textiles, found objects, and various textures. Through her work, Mariam doesn’t just express herself – she creates multidimensional, immersive experiences that resonate deeply with her audience.
Mariam Khawer: A Diverse Artistic Style
Despite being known for her mixed media work, Mariam doesn’t stick to one signature style. Over the years, she has experimented with various mediums – oil paints, acrylic pouring, resin, and more recently, alcohol inks. “I haven’t developed a signature style yet. I go through phases where I’m obsessed with one medium, producing a series of pieces,” she explains. However, she describes her preferred style as “textured 3D abstracts,” emphasizing how texture and dimension play a significant role in her work.
This fluid approach is also reflected in her choice of subjects. Everyday objects, like a green apple, a guitar, or a perfume bottle, unexpectedly become the focus of her artwork. For Mariam, these objects spark an emotional response that compels her to immortalize them on canvas. Her connection to the items often stems from an inexplicable urge, giving her art a unique, spontaneous energy.
Capturing the Cosmos: Beyond the Everyday
While Mariam often finds beauty in the familiar, she also draws inspiration from vast, grander themes. The cosmos, the sea, and the beauty of nature are frequent motifs in her work. Though she doesn’t typically engage in landscape painting, she is fascinated by the endless depths of the sea and the celestial bodies. “Nature is a painting on the largest canvas in the universe,” Mariam says, reflecting on the power and vastness that nature holds, which she strives to capture in her pieces.
The Power of Color: A Personal Expression
Color plays a crucial role in Mariam’s art, allowing her to express herself and evoke emotions in her viewers. “For me, colour is beauty,” she says. “Every shade, every colour, is inherently beautiful in its own unique way.” She finds herself constantly experimenting with color combinations, creating unique palettes that convey moods and atmospheres. With an endless spectrum of colors at her disposal, Mariam mixes and blends hues to express a range of emotions, from joy and hope to introspection and serenity.
Experimentation: Pushing Boundaries
Mariam is known for her willingness to push boundaries in her art. “I’m quite risk averse in life, but when it comes to art, I believe in pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms,” she admits. This sense of daring and experimentation often leads her to try new techniques and materials, sometimes venturing into the unconventional. It’s this boldness that keeps her work fresh and exciting, allowing her to continually discover new aspects of herself as an artist.
Calligraphy: A Personal Connection
Arabic calligraphy holds a special place in Mariam’s heart, particularly Islamic calligraphy. Though she doesn’t consider herself an expert in the field, she loves to capture her favorite Quranic verses on canvas, turning them into visual reminders of faith and reflection. These pieces hold personal significance for her, serving as a daily source of inspiration and peace.
Imagination: The Heart of Her Art
When asked about her creative process, Mariam reveals that she draws inspiration from a mix of memory, observation, and imagination. However, it’s her imagination that plays the most significant role in her work. “I paint mostly from my imagination,” she says. This imaginative approach allows her to infuse her art with a sense of mystery and openness, inviting viewers to interpret her pieces through their own lenses.
Art as a Source of Positivity
Mariam’s work is filled with vibrant, uplifting imagery and bright colors, all aimed at spreading positivity. “My pictures radiate positivity,” she affirms. While each viewer may interpret her paintings differently, Mariam’s goal is always to inspire happiness and contemplation. Through her work, she hopes to uplift and encourage others, using art as a tool for connection and personal reflection.
Influences: A Blend of Contemporary Voices
Mariam finds inspiration in a wide range of contemporary artists, who push the boundaries of creative expression. The art world, with its vast and diverse landscape, is filled with brilliant individuals who inspire Mariam to explore new ways of thinking and creating. This influence has driven her to find her own voice within the world of mixed media, offering a fresh perspective on what art can be.
From Childhood Fascination to Artistic Freedom
Mariam’s path to becoming an artist began long before she picked up her first paintbrush. As a child, she was captivated by the show “Art Attack,” which instilled in her the idea that “everything can be used to create art.” Though she initially pursued a career in accounting and marketing, the pull of art never faded. The 2020 lockdown marked a pivotal moment in her life, sparking a renewed interest in painting and leading her to discover mixed media as her true artistic calling.
Mixed media offered Mariam the freedom to express herself fully. Combining painting, sketching, and collage, she could create works that were more than just the sum of their parts. The process itself became a captivating study in intuition, experimentation, and emotion, with each piece evolving organically as she layered textures and materials.
Art that Inspires Connection and Reflection
For Mariam, art is not just about aesthetics – it’s about creating a connection with her audience. Through her work, she aims to spark reflection and foster deeper understanding. Her art invites viewers to see themselves in the pieces, whether through shared emotions, personal narratives, or universal themes. “Art is a conduit for shared experiences,” she says, hoping to inspire conversations and new perspectives through her creations.
A Fascination with Urban Ruin
An unexpected source of inspiration for Mariam is the raw beauty of urban decay. Rusted metal, peeling paint, and crumbling walls – elements often overlooked or discarded – capture her attention. These flaws tell stories of time and transformation, reminding Mariam of the impermanence of all things. Through these fragments of urban ruin, she finds beauty in the neglected and forgotten.
Empowering Women in the Art World
As a female artist, Mariam is passionate about empowering women in the art world. “The art world has historically been male-dominated,” she acknowledges, but she believes a shift is happening. More women are being recognized for their talents, and Mariam is dedicated to supporting this change. She believes that empowering women in art means fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and representative creative community.
Overcoming Challenges
While Mariam has faced the typical struggles of any artist – from creative blocks to the challenges of building a career – she has been fortunate to have a supportive network that has helped her grow. “I’ve had a very encouraging environment that has allowed me to focus on developing my skills and voice as an artist,” she shares.
Looking to the Future: Global Aspirations
Mariam’s future is filled with artistic exploration. She dreams of holding solo exhibitions worldwide, with a particular desire to return to her home country, Pakistan, and showcase her work there. Her passion for growth and evolution as an artist continues to drive her, and she is excited to see where her creative journey takes her next.
Follow Mariam on Instagram and support her artistic journey as she continues to break boundaries and inspire others with her colorful, thought-provoking creations.
