This article introduces Los Angeles-based visual artist Massoud Hayoun, whose paintings draw on his rich cultural background and personal experiences to explore layered aspects of human identity and belonging. Influenced by his diverse family heritage, which spans North Africa and the Arab world, Hayoun’s work blends references to people, places, flora, and fauna significant to his ancestral homelands. He employs vivid colors—particularly shades of blue—to evoke the presence of both past generations and universal human emotions.
Throughout the conversation, Hayoun shares his desire to create works that resonate broadly and connect with viewers on a human level. He discusses the importance of representing complex narratives and personal histories, channeling them into canvases that invite reflection rather than requiring specialized knowledge. His stylistic choices—figurative forms, symbolic colors, and references to shared cultural memory—serve as expressions of empathy, celebration, and remembrance. In doing so, Hayoun hopes to craft art that honors the depth of human experiences, forging spaces of understanding and recognition for audiences around the world.
