About the Artist

Fatima Mahmood is a 25-year-old oil painter of Pakistani origin based in the UK, whose work blends the richness of her cultural heritage with a contemporary perspective. Born with a passion for creativity, Fatima’s journey into the world of art began in her childhood and found its true focus in 2016, during her A-levels in art. Though she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, it was her love for oil painting that ultimately guided her path.

Fatima’s art delves deep into themes of faith, spirituality, and the reclamation of identity. Her work seeks to reframe the narrative of the "Orient," challenging colonial perspectives by telling the stories as they were meant to be told. Influenced by poetry and the belief that art is a universal language, Fatima’s pieces often blend the tangible with the abstract, capturing the emotions of grief, resilience, and the spiritual journeys that shape her life.

Guided by the words of Nina Simone, who said that "an artist's duty is to reflect the times," Fatima also creates pieces that speak to the present moment. Her work is a mirror of both personal experiences and the broader social and cultural shifts happening around her. With every brushstroke, she weaves together the threads of her Muslim faith, her love for poetry, and her exploration of life’s complexities.

For Fatima, painting is not just a practice; it is an extension of her inner world, where art and life are in constant dialogue. She also enjoys sketching, using it as a way to capture fleeting ideas that might later transform into full-bodied oil paintings.

Fatima Mahmood's art is a journey of self-discovery, an exploration of the universal truths that connect us all. It is her way of making the intangible tangible, inviting viewers to see the world through her lens— deeply rooted in both tradition and contemporary thought.