Hussain Jamil

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?
A: I realized I wanted to be an artist when I first experienced the thrill of creating something with my hands—whether it was sketching, painting, or experimenting with materials. Over time, this passion evolved, and I discovered the magic of reflections and illusions in my work. Studying at the National College of Arts solidified my path, and ever since, art has been my language of expression.

Q: What kind of environment did you grow up in, and how did it shape your artistic sensibilities?
A: I grew up in a religious family in a village surrounded by hills and nature—a place that felt almost dreamlike. This environment shaped my understanding of reality and art. For me, nature is the ultimate truth, and anything that does not reflect or connect to it feels like a contradiction. If something opposes nature, it exists outside reality, and as an artist, I see that as a failure. My practice is deeply rooted in this belief, drawing inspiration from the organic, the imperfect, and the reflective qualities of the natural world.

Q: What’s art for you, how do you define it?
A: For me, art is a reflection of reality—both seen and unseen. It is an exploration of imperfections, illusions, and the beauty found in natural forms. Art is not just about creating; it is about revealing the hidden connections between materials, light, and perception. It is a language that goes beyond words, allowing emotions, experiences, and philosophies to take shape. If something does not connect to nature, it is disconnected from truth. My work embraces this philosophy, merging reflection and distortion to challenge how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Q: What role does emotion play in your creative process and finished pieces?
A: Emotion is at the core of my creative process. My work is a reflection of personal experiences, memories, and the way I perceive the world. I channel emotions into materiality—through crumpled metal, reflections, and distortions—allowing the viewer to connect with the piece on a deeper level. My process is intuitive, guided by feelings rather than rigid plans, making each piece an evolving dialogue between material, emotion, and space. The imperfections in my work hold stories, much like the scars and marks we carry in life, transforming emotions into tangible forms.”

Q: Can you walk us through your creative process?
A: My creative process is deeply intuitive and begins with observation—of nature, materials, and the way light interacts with surfaces. I start by conceptualizing an idea, often inspired by reflections, distortions, and organic forms. From there, I experiment with different materials, allowing them to guide me. Whether it’s crumpling metal, polishing surfaces, or layering elements, I embrace imperfections as part of the process. My work evolves through trial and interaction, rather than rigid planning, resulting in pieces that feel alive—mirroring the transient and ever-changing nature of reality.

Q: What mediums do you use in your practice and why?
A: I primarily work with stainless steel, mirror-polished surfaces, and wire mesh, integrating elements of reflection and distortion into my practice. These materials allow me to explore the interplay between light, space, and perception, creating works that engage the viewer in an immersive experience. The reflective surfaces symbolize self-awareness and shifting realities, while the organic forms in my sculptures connect back to nature, reinforcing my belief that art should resonate with the natural world. My use of metal also represents resilience—embracing imperfections and transformation over time.

Q: What inspires you most in life outside of art?
A: I primarily work with stainless steel, mirror-polished surfaces, and wire mesh, integrating elements of reflection and distortion into my practice. These materials allow me to explore the interplay between light, space, and perception, creating works that engage the viewer in an immersive experience. The reflective surfaces symbolize self-awareness and shifting realities, while the organic forms in my sculptures connect back to nature, reinforcing my belief that art should resonate with the natural world. My use of metal also represents resilience—embracing imperfections and transformation over time.

Q: If you could have dinner with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A: I would love to have dinner with Anish Kapoor. His exploration of form, material, and the void deeply resonates with my practice. I admire how he manipulates reflection, space, and perception to create immersive experiences. Discussing the philosophy behind his work, the balance between the seen and unseen, and his approach to large-scale sculptures would be incredibly inspiring. I’d also love to hear about his creative challenges and how he pushes the boundaries of materiality in contemporary art.

Q: What message do you hope your art conveys about you and your journey?
A: My art is a testament to evolution—of self, material, and perception. It reflects my journey from a deeply rooted connection with nature to an exploration of reflections, distortions, and unseen realities. I want my work to challenge perceptions, urging viewers to look beyond the surface and embrace the fluidity of life. It speaks of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find beauty in transformation. Through my art, I hope to create a dialogue between the viewer and their own reflections, making them a part of the work itself.

Q: If you had to describe your relationship with your art in one sentence, what would it be?
A: My art is a dialogue between reflection and reality, a constant exploration of imperfections, illusions, and the unseen connections that shape our perception of the world.

Q: If your art had a soundtrack, what kind of music would it include?
A: The soundtrack to my art would include the hypnotic and meditative sounds of the handpan—its resonant, flowing tones perfectly capture the sense of movement, reflection, and organic imperfection that define my work. The rhythmic yet fluid nature of the instrument mirrors the way light and material interact in my pieces, creating a contemplative, immersive experience that invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect.

Q: How does the art market influence your practice?
A: I see myself as a free bird, not bound by contracts or the constraints of galleries. The art market, like any other market, fluctuates—it goes up and down, and everyone is observing. While I don’t let market trends dictate my work, I do recognize the value of strong collections, as they contribute to a lasting dialogue for viewers and the future. Right now, the art world is in a dynamic phase, constantly evolving, and I embrace this fluidity while staying true to my own creative path.

Q: How has the internet and virtual presence impacted your practice?
A: The internet has expanded the reach of my practice beyond physical spaces, allowing my work to connect with a global audience. It has given me the freedom to showcase my art without relying on traditional gallery structures, aligning with my independent approach. Social media and digital platforms create an interactive dialogue, where viewers engage with my work in real-time, often seeing reflections of themselves within it. While nothing replaces the physical presence of art, the virtual world has opened up new possibilities for exploration, collaboration, and accessibility.”