The art world is a large and ever-changing terrain, home to innumerable brilliant individuals who express themselves through a variety of mediums. Among these artists is Mariam Khawer (My Pixel Patch), a rising star in the field of mixed media art. Her work pushes the bounds of traditional creative expression, attracting viewers with its distinct combination of textures, colors, and emotions.
A Spark Ignited in Childhood
Mariam’s artistic path did not begin in the hallowed halls of an art institution. Instead, her family’s supportive atmosphere encouraged her creative spirit from an early age. After high school, she followed a profession in accounting and marketing, but the roots of artistic expression remained firmly established.
Her childhood fascination with the show “Art Attack” fueled a sense of wonder at the possibilities of transforming everyday objects into beautiful works of art. The show’s host, with his contagious enthusiasm, instilled in her the concept that “everything can be used to create art” which would later become the foundation of her artistic style.
Finding Freedom in Mixed Media
Mariam’s life carried her in a different direction for a while, but the attraction of painting remained captivating. The 2020 lockdown renewed her interest, and it was at this period of reflection that she realized her actual artistic calling: mixed media.
Mixed media art allows artists to combine various materials and techniques, creating works that are more than the sum of their parts. For Mariam, this freedom was exhilarating. It offered her a platform to fully express her vision and emotions in ways that a single medium simply couldn’t capture.
She enjoys combining painting, sketching, collage, and even odd things to create unique works of art. The process itself is a captivating study of intuition and experimentation, with textures layered and methods linked in various ways until the artwork takes on a life of its own.
Art that Evokes Connection and Reflection
Mariam’s art isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about forging connections and sparking reflection. Through her pieces, she aspires to create a space where viewers can find a piece of themselves, a reflection of their own emotions or a connection to the stories her art tells.
Her ultimate purpose is to provoke thinking and conversation, enabling people to perceive the world from new perspectives. Her art goes beyond self-expression, serving as a conduit for shared experiences and a better knowledge of the human condition.
A World of Inspiration
Mariam finds inspiration from a variety of sources. Nature’s beauty and the complexities of urban environments serve as her inspiration, but her own experiences and the diverse range of human emotions give her art depth and significance.
However, one of her most surprising sources of inspiration is the raw beauty of urban ruin. She has a particular attraction to rusted metal, peeling paint, and collapsing walls, all of which are typically neglected. These flaws convey stories about time and evolution, demonstrating the temporariness of all things.
Empowering Women in the Art World
As a female artist, Mariam is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment in the art world. She believes that women deserve a platform to express their unique perspectives, not just in the art world but in all areas of life.
She stated that
The art world has historically been male dominated, when I think of famous artists I’m reminded of household names like Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci, Van Gogh, the only female artist that comes to mind is Freida Kahlo but we have been witnessing a great shift in recent times, with more recognition and opportunities for women. Empowering women in art means supporting diverse voices and encouraging a more inclusive and representative creative community.
She believes that empowering women in art necessitates supporting diverse voices and encouraging a more inclusive and representative creative community.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Fortunately, Mariam hasn’t faced significant hurdles specific to being a woman in the art world. She has been blessed with a supportive network that has fueled her artistic growth. This encouraging environment has allowed her to focus on honing her skills and developing her unique artistic voice.
While she has clearly faced problems on her creative career, they have been caused by the inherent difficulties of being an artist rather than by her gender. Artists’ paths are rarely smooth, but has kept trying, guided by her passion and determination.
Looking Ahead: A Future Filled with Artistic Exploration
Mariam’s future is full with artistic goals. She wants to broaden her artistic horizons by experimenting with different methods and media. Taking her art global! She dreams of captivating audiences with solo exhibitions worldwide, including her home country, Pakistan.
At the heart of her aspirations lies a deep-seated desire to keep evolving as an artist. She wants to make a lasting impact through
Follow her on Instagram @mypixelpatch to support her journey!
