Nigaah recently interviewed Houston based Pakistani Artist Saqib Mughal who has a unique artistic style. His work has also inspired some artists and his work has also been plagiarized. Here he talks to Nigaah about his artistic journey.
Q. Tell us how you became an artist?
SM: I believe everyone has a natural ability to express themselves visually; it's a universal language. For me, this instinct began in childhood when I created art to communicate my feelings through sketches and projects. As I grew older, I recognized that art was more than a pastime—it became a way for me to express my ideas and emotions.
Q. Who are your biggest artistic influences?
SM: I find inspiration in the rich symbolism of Renaissance paintings, which convey complex ideas through imagery. My biggest influences also come from everyday life—experiences, emotions, and the stories of those around me. These elements shape the themes I explore in my art, along with the complexities of society and nature, which add depth to my creative process.
Q. We believe you had a solo show almost 13 years back in Pakistan and developed a unique style that is your signature work. Has this style influenced other artists?
SM: Yes, I’ve had multiple solo shows in Karachi, including two notable ones in 2012 and 2015. While I'm always honored when fellow artists find inspiration in my work, I recently encountered a situation where an artist took that inspiration too far and directly copied my pieces. This act not only crosses an ethical line but also constitutes intellectual property theft and plagiarism. Such actions undermine the integrity of the artistic community and discourage genuine creativity. I believe art should be a space for innovation and personal expression, and I encourage artists to focus on developing their own unique voices rather than resorting to imitation.
Q. What advice would you give to emerging artist to help them stay original and avoid plagiarism?
SM: I advise emerging artists to cultivate their unique voice by exploring personal experiences and emotions. They should observe the processes of other artists and read about artists from the past to learn from their art-creating processes. Patience is key—developing a unique style takes time, and there’s no magical recipe for it. Art schools, curators, and galleries play a crucial role in discouraging plagiarism for everyone’s benefit.
Q. Tell me about your favorite medium?
SM: My favorite medium is oil paint due to its versatility and rich depth of color.
Q. Where do you find inspiration?
SM: I find inspiration in everyday life, including personal experiences and the stories of those around me. The complexities of society and nature also influence my art, along with the rich symbolism in Renaissance paintings. Together, these elements shape the themes I explore in my work.
Q. What is your favorite time of day to create?
SM: At night, my creativity reaches its full potential. The calmness allows my thoughts to flow freely and inspires my best ideas.
Q. Describe how art is important to society?
SM: Art is important to society as it stimulates critical thinking and encourages dialogue about social issues. It fosters emotional connection and empathy, helping people understand diverse perspectives and experiences. Ultimately, art enriches our lives and reflects the human experience.
Q. What motivates you to create?
SM: What motivates me to create is often a question or observation that lingers in my mind so intensely that I feel compelled to paint it.
Q. What is your strongest memory of your childhood?
SM: My father used to take me to an art shop in Karachi called K.B. Sarker, which I believe is still around. Whenever I achieved good results in school, my reward was a trip to K.B. Sarker to buy art supplies.
Q. What memorable responses have you had to your work?
SM: Art critic Hameed Zaman once remarked to me, and also noted in his review, that "In fact, his paintings are thinking pieces, and Saqib remains more a cerebral artist than merely one of skill and craft. His brush is dipped into the complexities of philosophy. His struggles as a young man is to search for meaning behind meaning.
Q. What is your dream project?
SM: I don’t have a specific dream project; I focus on the journey of creating art. Each piece reflects my exploration of the human experience and deeper meanings.
Q. Name three artists you would like to be compared to?
SM: I never compare myself to other artists. For me, creating art is a personal journey focused on my own satisfaction, without concern for external comparisons or outcomes. Juxtapose b, 48 x 42
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