Meemee Muzn, born Mayer Mustafa, is a painter, illustrator and costume designer, based in Cairo. Her work takes me back in time to the 60s: listening to the Beatles, seeing people smoking without inhibition and wearing beautiful outfits, glamour and a lot of romance. In an interview she gave me an exciting insight into her work:
“I had a genuine passion for art and got obsessed with it”
Since she was 4 years old, Mayer has never stopped drawing and painting. “I had a genuine passion for art and got obsessed with it”, she said. She takes art lessons, paints a lot and reads about other artists. She learned to design outfits from her aunt. She’d visited her in her little sewing shop and watched her at work. She loves to embroider.
Mayer studied painting and art history at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Helwan University in Cairo. After working as a customer service agent and in a call centre for two years during her studies, she decided to work only as an artist. “I’m an artist and that’s my only employment and profession”, she emphasized. Currently, she works as a freelancer painter and illustrator; drawing for books, and album covers. This work fulfils her, she said. “I get to enjoy my craft while making money which is every artist’s dream, right?!”
The beloved 50s and 60s
Her work is specifically inspired by young people in the years 1959 to 1962. She is impressed by the American advertisement and magazine artists of the past century like Jim Schaeffing, Jon Whitcomb, Coby Whitemore, Norman Rockwell and Edwin Georgi. “I love the charm of old ads and film posters. And the artists’ use of gouache”, she told me. Gouache is her most favourite medium. “Reading back and watching movies of those few years, it always feels like it was a big fun party where the girls had chaperones and young men were chivalrous and stolen kisses were a big thrill to dream of for days. And the clothes were beautiful for both men and women. People put effort into presenting well.”, she added.
“Reading back and watching movies of those few years, it always feels like it was a big fun party"
She has included herself in many of her paintings. You can see her standing next to George Harrison and looking at the other band members, or drinking a coke in an advertisement from the 60s.
"I love drawing myself with the people I’d have loved to have met from the past.”
“I paint myself into the pictures because I’m the only person that has always been there for me.”, she explained. “I live within the confinement of my own consciousness 24/7. I’m the only person who can save me. And I saved me over and over. And I love me. I love drawing myself with the people I’d have loved to have met from the past.”
Dealing with criticism and self-doubt
During her studies, some of her professors criticized her art for not conveying a message. According to them, her art was neither political nor philosophical. It didn’t convey anything, no strong opinions or inner struggles. „Some went so far as to tell me that my art doesn't belong in galleries and exhibitions.”, she said. For a while she took their criticism personally. “I allowed it to define me and make me feel insecure about my art. But now I’m owning it. So what if it’s only beautiful and nothing more? The world is full of ugliness as it is.” Now self-doubts are only annoying thoughts for her, to which she no longer pays any attention.
Plans for the future
For the future, she wishes to travel the world with her long-term partner, to paint and to create art and clothes for their own sake. “I like to enjoy life one day at a time and stay in this state of fulfillment.”, she said. “I love life.” Her next professional goal is to write a book. For a long time she has been carrying a story around with her that she wants to put down on paper.
Thank you for the interview, Meemee Muzn. <3
See more of Meemee Muzn on Instagram and on her amazing website.
Bildcredits: Mayer Mustafa