In a year in which ดาวน์โหลด slotxo ios we all needed something to make us smile, Hafiiz Karim’s Instagram feed, @thenextmostfamousartist, is in so many ways, the perfect panacea to our pandemic blues. While this millennial artist has been posting for years, it felt like everyone discovered his brilliant, whimsical, and beautiful digital artworks only last year.

An advertising professional with a Master’s degree in Asian art history, Hafiiz splices everyday life with references of historical artworks. The results are smart works that are eye-catching, memorable, often fun and just as often, imbued with social commentary.

HI HAFIIZ, WERE YOU ALWAYS INTO ART EVEN WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?

I was always very interested in the act of creating. As a young boy, I used to watch art-related television shows like Art Attack or Finger Tips on Kids Central, and I would always attempt to recreate their projects and learn new techniques from it. I remember my dad encouraging me to try out the projects and not just watch them on TV.

In addition to the shows, my parents were also very influential in my interest in art. My dad was very skilled in woodwork and electronics, and my mum always found time to be creative like sewing, baking and painting. Even though they did not pursue any art-related career, there was always a creative vibe at home.

YOU RECEIVED YOUR MASTER’S DEGREE IN 2019 BUT YOU WERE ALREADY INVOLVED IN ART PROJECTS BEFORE THAT. WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO PURSUE THE MASTER’S DEGREE?

It all started from this project as a creative intern in an advertising agency. I had to edit a flyer for Lasalle that was promoting its post-graduate courses. At that point of time, I was still unsure of my path in life but I knew I didn't want to stop learning.

I was immediately drawn to the Asian Arts Histories course as I wanted to learn more about what Asian artists did in the past, and how they used art to convey ideas and uncover issues that were important to their cultural spheres.

ARE YOU STILL WORKING IN ADVERTISING OR ARE YOU FOCUSING ON YOUR ART FULL-TIME NOW?

I am focusing on my art, and more importantly, my mental health as I try to reconnect with my joyful and creative self that I thought I had lost. Gaining confidence in my creativity and solidifying my identity have been a tough journey. But art has helped me a lot through that and more.