Painter Arash Mozhdekanlu on light, color, and humanity.
Arash Mozhdekanlu (1993) is a figurative painter whose work captures the subtleties of everyday life and human emotion. His paintings are influenced by artists such as Sorolla and Sargent, and often include humans and animals, exploring light, composition, and intimate moments that shape personal experience. @arashmozdekanlu
Where were you born and raised? How did it influence your art and your thinking about the world?
I was born and raised in Nishapur, a small city with abundant natural light. Its simplicity shaped my approach to composition, while the quality of sunlight influenced the brightness and palette of my paintings.
When did you first fall in love with art and realize you wanted to be an artist? For you, what is the importance of the arts?
My path into art came about suddenly, without any pre-determined plan. What drew me in was a sensitivity to the quiet, everyday moments—the small details of life that often go unnoticed. These moments continue to shape my work and guide the way I see and paint the world.
What does your typical day in the studio look like? Walk us through your studio and your most used materials and tools.
I usually start early in the morning when the light is at its best. I arrange my colors and prepare the palette, settling into the rhythm of the day. My process often involves quiet pauses and small restarts. The initial drawing on the canvas is crucial for me—just by looking at it, I can sense whether the painting will come together successfully or if it’s not worth proceeding with color.
What projects are you at work on at the moment? And what themes or ideas are currently driving your work?
At the moment I’m finishing a figurative painting that reflects my ongoing interest in capturing the intimacy of everyday life. What drives me is the search for those vivid, emotional moments that feel both fleeting and timeless—moments that remind us of what it means to be alive.
What do you hope people feel when they experience your art? What are you trying to express?
I hope viewers feel present and connected through the interplay of light and color, and can sense the subtle emotions and rhythms of everyday life in my work.
Do you draw inspiration from music, art, or other disciplines?
I mostly draw inspiration from the subtle moments of everyday life and the emotions they carry. Classical sculptures sometimes influence me as well, particularly in how they capture the human figure. Music plays a major role too—it creates a space where I can fully immerse myself in the work, helping me focus and connect deeply with the painting.
A great thing about living in my city/town is…
One of the greatest joys of living in my city is its natural light and peaceful atmosphere. The sunlight reveals subtle tones and delicate colors, essential for capturing the nuances and mood in my painting.
Tell us about important teachers/mentors/collaborators in your life.
I didn’t have a single mentor shaping my entire approach, though a couple of teachers introduced me to basic techniques. Most of my learning has come gradually by studying great painters such as Sorolla and Zorn, as well as contemporary artists—their brushwork, choice of subjects, and palettes have all left a lasting influence on my practice over time.
Sustainability in the art world is an important issue. Can you share a memory or reflection about the beauty and wonder of the natural world? Does being in nature inspire your art or your process?
Nature, with its forms, colors, and shadows, has always been a rich source of inspiration for me. Observing its subtle details encourages careful attention and sensitivity, which I try to bring into my painting process.
AI is changing everything - the way we see the world, creativity, art, our ideas of beauty and the way we communicate with each other and our imaginations. What are your reflections about AI and technology? What is the importance of human art and handmade creative works over industrialized creative practices?
I think AI can be a helpful tool for artists, making some tasks easier, but depending on it to create art takes away the depth and personal engagement that make art meaningful. Handmade art keeps the unique connection between the artist and their work, carrying emotion, experience, and intention—things AI just can’t replicate.
Exploring ideas, art and the creative process connects me to…
a deeper understanding of people, their emotions, and the beauty found in simplicity.
