True art is born not at the tips of brushes, but in the depths of the human soul. A artist's path is always a story of searching for a balance between form and emotion, tradition and progress, personal trials and recognition on the world stage. Our guest today is the talented artist and designer Sevinj Muradova. Successfully combining academic fine art and graphic design, she conquers international exhibitions in Baku, Budapest, and London, yet considers absolute honesty with the viewer to be the main guide in her work. In this candid interview, Sevinj spoke about the role of family, overcoming the most difficult life losses, the synergy of technology and classics, and why sincerity cannot be replaced by any technique, even the most flawless one.
You have been involved in art since childhood. Do you remember that turning point when a childhood hobby grew into a conscious profession, and the understanding arose: "I want to be an artist and a designer"?
To be honest, I never had any single turning point. It seems to me that art has always been a part of my life. I started drawing at the age of five thanks to my mother — she was the first to notice my interest in drawing and took me to an art school. It was with her that my creative path began. My dad always supported me and never spared effort or resources for my art education. Thanks to my parents, from childhood I felt that I could do what I truly love.
Since childhood, I had only one teacher — Tatyana Vladilenovna Kesar. She is not just a talented artist and educator, but a person with a huge heart. It was she who taught me everything I can do, helped reveal my abilities, and always believed in me.
In your work, the central place is occupied by people, culture, and stories from everyday life. How can one discern a plot and an emotion worthy of a canvas in an ordinary, routine day?
I believe that inspiration lives all around us. Sometimes it is a person’s look, an accidental meeting, an old street, or even silence. For me, it is important not to look for something unusual, but to learn to notice beauty in the simplest moments. It is sincere emotions that make a painting alive.
Your works have been exhibited in Baku, Budapest, and London. How does the European viewer perceive your art, and have you noticed a difference in the "cultural code" of the audience in different countries?
Of course, each country perceives art in its own way. But I was pleasantly surprised that sincere emotions are understandable to people regardless of language and culture. In Europe, viewers are often interested in the history of a work’s creation and what inspired the artist. This is very valuable to me, because I always try to put a part of myself into my paintings.
You are a member of the Union of Artists and actively promote your works on international platforms. What do these statuses mean to you today — is it a tribute to traditions, a tool of recognition, or real support for a modern creator?
For me, this is primarily an opportunity to be part of a large international art community. Of course, this is recognition of my work, but at the same time, it is a big responsibility. Such communities provide the opportunity to communicate with artists from different countries, participate in exhibitions, exchange experiences, and constantly develop.
In your manifesto, the phrase sounds: "Sincerity and emotional depth in art." How do you manage to remain extremely honest with the material and the viewer when art becomes a daily job?
I never start a work just because “it is necessary.” For me, it is very important to feel the future painting myself.
If there is no emotion inside, the viewer will definitely feel it.
That is why I try to put a part of my experiences and my experience into every work. Sincerity cannot be acted out — it is either there or it isn’t.
How do you approach the creation of portraits and individual art projects? Was there a painting in your practice that changed the perspective on things or even the life of the person for whom it was created?
For me, a portrait is not just a physical resemblance. It is important for me to convey the character, mood, and inner world of a person. Every project begins with communication, because only in this way can you truly understand a person. I am very pleased when people say they recognized themselves in a painting or saw themselves from a completely different side. For an artist, this is probably the greatest reward.
What ultimately makes a work of art unique and alive personally for you — flawless technique, a strong idea, or pure emotion? How to maintain this balance?
I think that technique is very important, but in itself, it does not make a painting a work of art. A true work is born when an idea, mastery, and emotion come together. If you remove at least one of these components, the painting loses its power. It is this balance that I always try to preserve.
You successfully combine classical fine art and graphic design. How do these two fields enrich each other? Doesn't pragmatic, systemic design "stifle" the absolute freedom of the artist?
On the contrary, they complement each other perfectly. Academic painting taught me to see form, light, composition, and color, while graphic design taught me to think systematically and look for the most understandable visual solutions. In addition, I mastered digital drawing on a graphics tablet, which opened up completely new opportunities for me.
I believe that a modern artist should not be afraid of technology — it does not replace creativity, but helps to reveal it in a new way.
Where does the boundary between a commercial project (design, commissioned portrait) and pure self-expression lie for you? How do you manage to maintain an individual approach and not drift into a "conveyor belt"?
Even in a commercial project, I try to find an opportunity to bring something of my own. Of course, there are the client’s tasks that must be completed, but I never treat work mechanically. For me, it is important that each work retains its individuality. Probably, that is why I do not like to repeat myself and am always looking for new ideas.
Continuous learning and growth is one of your main values. What new things are you learning right now (in techniques, digital tools, or theory) and what new directions do you want to explore?
I am sure that an artist learns all their life. Just recently, I received a diploma in graphic design with honors, mastered digital drawing on a graphics tablet, and continue to improve in this area. Right now, I am interested in developing at the intersection of classical painting, digital art, and modern technologies. I like to constantly discover new tools for myself, without losing my love for traditional painting.
The path in art is rarely smooth. What main difficulties did you face on your creative path, and how did they ultimately temper you and influence what you do now?
Like any person, there were difficult moments on my path. The hardest trial for me was the loss of my mother. She always believed in me, supported my dreams, and since childhood repeated one phrase: “Never stop drawing.” These words remained in my heart forever and today are a great motivation for me.
Fortunately, I was never alone. I was always surrounded by a loving family. My dad and my husband supported me in everything and did everything possible so that I could do what I love. I have two older sisters who were also always there, believed in me, and rejoiced at my every success. Thanks to their love and support, I was able to continue practicing art and move forward.
Today I understand how important it is to value people who believe in you. That is why I try to put sincerity, emotions, and a piece of my soul into every work of mine. I continue to develop, participate in international exhibitions, and learn new things, because I am sure: the best way to express gratitude to my family is to continue doing what I love most of all.
If you had to describe the concept or mood of your next international exhibition in just three words, what would they be?
Sincerity. Hope. Rebirth.
These three words best reflect my creative path. Sincerity — because without it, true art is impossible. Hope — because it helps to move forward even after the most difficult trials. Rebirth — because that is exactly how I feel about my return to painting after a long break.
What main advice, based on your experience, would you give to young artists who are just looking for their style and dream of making a name for themselves at the global level?
Never compare yourself to others. Compare yourself only to the person you were yesterday. Do not be afraid to learn, try new things, and participate in exhibitions and competitions, even if it seems that you are not ready enough yet. The most important thing is to remain honest with yourself. Style comes with time, and sincerity cannot be replaced by any technique. And most importantly — never give up on your dream, even if life forces you to take a pause. Sometimes it is after such a pause that the most important stage of the creative path begins.
