About the Artist
Asem Moustafa Ahmed (b.1991) is a Moroccan-Egyptian American painter recognized for his large-scale figurative and narrative works that bridge classical traditions with contemporary themes. Drawing inspiration from the academic methods of the Old Masters, Ahmed has devoted his practice to reviving the discipline of representational art through a modern lens. His work reflects a synthesis of cultural influences—North African, Middle Eastern, and Western—celebrating diversity while exploring the shared human experience. Trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the New York Academy of Art, Ahmed’s paintings have garnered recognition through exhibitions, publications, and academic engagement. His mastery of the figure and commitment to beauty, truth, and cultural dialogue position him among a new generation of artists redefining classical realism for the 21st century.
Statement
In my artistic journey, I draw profound inspiration from the rich tapestry of art history, spanning from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to the Renaissance and French academics, as well as my own Moroccan/African culture. At the heart of my practice lies an unwavering pursuit of Truth and beauty, transcending mediums to create works that deeply resonate with viewers.
Embracing a diverse range of subjects allows me to delve into the depths of aesthetics and reveal universal truths. While some artists specialize in one genre, I find that exploring various subjects enriches my understanding and fosters continual growth. From portraiture to still-life, landscapes to the human figure, each subject offers unique insights into the human experience.
Central to my artistic ethos is the foundational importance of drawing, serving as the corner stone upon which all master works are built. I recognize drawing as an indispensable tool for honing my craft and preserving tradition. I aim to leverage my drawing skills to elevate painting through bold color usage and the refinement of line work.
Ultimately, my goal is to push the boundaries of fine art and set a new standard akin to the Renaissance in Italy, breathing new life into the artistic world.
Education
2022: Masters of Fine Arts in Painting, New York Academy of Art, NY.
2015: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting, New Jersey City University, NJ.
2009: Pennsylvania Academy of Art, Foundation Year, PA
Exhibitions
2025 1st Plein Air event Group Show, Union County Commissioners Gallery, Elizabeth, Nj
2025 Group Show, Galeria The Art Venue, Westfield, Nj
2025 Still Life, Oyster Point Walls, Red Bank, Nj
2024 Members’ Holiday Show, Ridgewood Art Institute, Ridgewood, Nj
2023 Small Treasures, American Fine Art Gallery, Washington, DC
2022 Thesis Exhibition, New York Academy of Art, NY
2021 Tribeca Ball, New York Academy of Art
MFA Open Studios, New York Academy of Art, NY
2020 New Jersey City University, Group Exhibition, Jersey city, NJ
2018 Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center, Group Exhibition, Jersey City, NJ
Lemmerman Gallery, Group Show, Jersey City, NJ
2017 Ten Exchange Pl, Group Show, Jersey City, Nj
2016 Mary McLeod Bethune Life Center, Group Exhibition, Jersey City, NJ
2015 Ziccardi Award, Group Show, Jersey City, NJ
2014 New Jersey City University Group Show, Jersey City, NJ
2012 Jersey City Municipal Court, Group Show, Jersey City, NJ
2009 Annual Student Exhibition, PAFA, PA
PAFA Annual Student Exhibition, Philadelphia., PA
PAFA Open Studio Night, Philadelphia., PA
2009 Solo Art show, Jersey City Court-house, NJ
2008 RISD Summer Exhibition, Group show, RI
2007 Scholastic Award Carmony, group show, Morristown, NJ
Awards
2024 Painting Fellowship Finalist from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts
2023 International juried Art Competition Talent Prize Award in Sill-Life
2023 International Art renewal Salon Competition Still-life Finalist
2022 The New York Academy, Presidential Award
2018-19 The New York Academy of Art, Academy Scholarship (For high quality of work and exceptional merit)
2017 Strokes of Genius Honorable mention in Drawing
2016 Ziccardi Award in Excellence
2015 Williams Prize in Drawing for Emerging Artist Competition
2015 Salmagundi Membership Award
2014 NJCU Scholarship in Bachelors of Art
2009 PAFA Artistic Excellence Scholarship
2008 Full Scholarship to RISD Summer Program
2007 Gold Key "Scholastic Art Awards"
Silver Key "Scholastic Art Awards"
Portfolio Award "Scholastic Art Awards"
2006 Silver Key "Scholastic Art Awards"
Publications
https://boldjourney.com/meet-asem-ahmed
Links
https://www.aanyaa.org/online-members/asem-ahmed
Teaching and Professional Experience
2025: Oil Painting Instructor - The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Summit, NJ.
2024: Postgraduate Teaching Assistant- New York Academy Art.
2021: Teacher of Art, Paterson Public School 26, Paterson, NJ