Meet Asem Ahmed

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Asem Ahmed. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Asem below.

Hi Asem, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My journey toward finding my purpose began in an unexpected way. When entering Dickinson High School in Jersey City, students were asked to choose three possible majors, with one ultimately assigned. My top picks were the Air Force program, culinary arts, and visual art. By chance—or fate—I was accepted into the visual arts program, thanks to a cartoon drawing I happened to have with me that day.

That single moment changed everything. Over the next four years, I was introduced to a world I could never have imagined. Under the guidance of remarkable teachers, I immersed myself in art history and fell deeply in love with the Renaissance. Discovering the Old Masters felt like uncovering a hidden language of beauty and truth. Artists like Michelangelo and Raphael became my compass, inspiring me to pursue a path dedicated to mastery, discipline, and the timeless pursuit of artistic excellence.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a visual artist based in New Jersey and New York City, originally from Marrakesh, Morocco. My work centers on the human figure and narrative painting, blending classical techniques with influences from my Moroccan and Egyptian heritage. I draw inspiration from the Renaissance and academic traditions while exploring themes of aesthetics, truth, and magical realism.

What excites me most about my work is its ability to merge beauty and imagination—to balance technical mastery with a sense of wonder. Through painting, I aim to reveal timeless truths while creating scenes that feel both real and dreamlike.

Currently, I’m developing a new series of large-scale paintings that explore the poetic side of everyday life, combining realism with symbolic and fantastical elements. My goal is to create art that uplifts, inspires, and reminds viewers of the magic within the ordinary.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1)Strong Foundation in Drawing and Observation – I believe drawing is the cornerstone of all great art. It trains the eye to see truthfully and the hand to communicate with precision. My understanding of form, proportion, and light comes from years of studying and refining this discipline.

2)A Deep Sense of Aesthetics and Composition – I approach each work with a focus on harmony and dissonance to create visual balance and emotional depth. This aesthetic understanding allows me to use beauty as a way to engage the viewer and guide them toward the underlying truth in the work.

3)Knowledge of Art History, Technique, and Mentorship Experience – My study of the Renaissance, French academic painting, and classical methods provides a strong technical and conceptual foundation. Serving as a teaching assistant to artist Randolphlee McIver deepened my appreciation for the discipline and craftsmanship required in my work, while also strengthening my ability to communicate artistic concepts and techniques to others. This experience continues to influence how I approach both teaching and creating art.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

One of the main challenges I’m currently facing is getting my work seen by a wider audience while balancing the scale and ambition of my practice. My large narrative paintings require time, focus, and space—yet in today’s art world, visibility often depends on social media engagement, something I’ve never been particularly drawn to.

To address this, I’ve been focusing on alternative and more meaningful ways to share my work. I regularly submit to art magazines, participate in group exhibitions, and build relationships within the artistic community. Networking and connecting with galleries are also key goals, as the right representation can help bring my work to a broader public. At the same time, I continue refining my studio process to work efficiently on large compositions through preparatory drawings and color studies.

These combined efforts allow me to stay true to my values—prioritizing authenticity and craftsmanship—while steadily expanding the reach and impact of my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.asemfineart.com