Mahnoor Tariq

Mahnoor Tariq

Mahnoor is a writer and designer with a deep passion for art, culture, and storytelling. She is dedicated to exploring overlooked narratives and bringing unique perspectives to light. Creativity is the driving force behind her work. When not writing, you can find her drawing, exploring new ideas, and immersing herself in the world of art.

By this author

Painted in Secret: When Art Wasn’t Meant to Be Seen

Visual Art

There is something hauntingly intimate about art that was never meant to be shared—a kind of raw, unfiltered truth that escapes the performance of an audience. Before gallery walls, before critics and collectors, artists went through moments where they picked up brushes not for fame or legacy, but for themselves. For grief. For love. For…
The Problem with Exoticism: A Critical Look at Orientalist Paintings

Society, Visual Art

19th Century Italian Orientalist Masterpiece Painting “Four Women In The Harem” c. 1880, in the Circle of Rudolf Ernst. Have you ever looked at an old painting of a lavish palace, veiled women laying on silk cushions, or mysterious desert landscapes and thought, “Wow, so magical”? You’re not alone. Orientalist paintings, especially those from 19th-century Europe,…
From Shrines to Stages: The Influence of Sufism on South Asian Music

Music

Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, has deeply influenced the musical traditions of Pakistan and India for centuries. Its emphasis on divine love, spiritual transcendence, and devotion has given rise to some of the most soulful musical expressions in South Asia. From qawwalis that echo in shrines to folk songs that tell tales of divine…
Why People Romanticize ‘Vintage’ Art Styles

Film, Visual Art

Vintage art styles never truly fade—they always resurface in different forms, reinterpreted by new generations. From the tinted photographs of 1920s, grainy film aesthetics of the 60s to the youthful 90s Y2K style, it seems as if vintage trends remain timeless and people continue to be fascinated by them. But why are we so drawn…
Does Pain Make Great Art? Challenging the Starving Artist Trope

Creativity, Mind

We’ve all heard the stories—Van Gogh cutting off his ear, Sylvia Plath’s tragic end, the countless artists who struggled with hardships and emotional disturbances which led them to create timeless masterpieces. The stereotype that suffering fuels creativity has been around for centuries. But is it really true, or just another harmful romanticized myth? The Problem with the…
Masterpieces We Will Never See: Lost Artworks of History

Visual Art

Artemisia Gentileschi (Rome 1593-Naples 1652) Throughout history there have been countless artworks which have captivated audiences for their imagery and profound messages. These pieces offer a window into their creators’ aspirations, as well as tell the stories of the times they inhabit. Yet, some of these iconic works have been lost to time, leaving only whispers…