Behind the Brush
Umbreen Ahmad is a Muslim-American abstract artist. She grew up in Pakistan and moved to Houston, Texas at a young age. At nineteen, a serendipitous decision led her to start painting. In 2002 new beginnings brought her to Austin, where she continued to paint and started a family. After fifteen years of creative expressions through paint and texture, she participated in her first art show during the West Austin Studio Tour and has continued to show in various art exhibitions since then.
Umbreen finds inspiration in nature, the human experience and the grand adventure we call life. The constant reminder that we are a small speck of creation in a vast, profoundly diverse world that comes in many colors and creeds is simultaneously humbling and inspiring.
For Umbreen it is also a reminder that regardless of the distance in time, space and culture, we are all connected by the very simple, yet powerful emotions we all feel, no matter how big an ocean or barrier stands between us. Abstract expression allows her to illustrate just this. She leans on colors and texture using oils and mixed media to honor the highs and lows of diverse emotions that are sometimes hers and others she stands witness to.
Art gives her purpose and centers her core. A form of mediation that enables her to make sense of the chaos around and the thoughts within. A daily practice in self discovery that leads to reflections and gratitude. A path to recognizing those daily silver linings as life happens, with an open mind and a full heart she constantly seeks ways to cherish moments and memories that are several shades of life, yet through art, somehow peaceful.
She is elated to call Austin her home, a city alive with color, culture, compassion and those much needed vibes helping us Keep Austin Weird. She credits her children, family and her tribe of friends for many things, but more so for motivating her, in her art and other adventures in life.
Art Shows and Exhibitions
2015 - WEST Austin Studio Tour
2015- TEK Electron Art Show
2016- WEST Austin Studio Tour
2016- Cafe Josie Solo Show
2016- EAST Austin Studio Tour
2017- Pursuit of Happiness Art Show
2017- EAST Austin Studio Tour
2018- atxGALS South Congress Hotel Art Show
2019- WEST Austin Studio Tour
2019- Red Dot Event @ Women And Their Work Gallery
2019- Beyond Borders Show @ Austin Fine Art Gallery
2020 - 21 Presentation @ Slate Gray Gallery Kerrville Texas
2021 - Present - Represented at The Cathedral
2021 - Red Dot Event @ Women And Their Work Gallery
2022 - Board Member on Women & Their Work Gallery
2023 - Art Show at The Cathedral "Duality"
2023 - Participant in Women & Their Work Gallery Red Dot Event
2024 - Heritage Art Show at The Cathedral
2024 - Women & Their Work Gallery Red Dot AffairPublications
2017 - Tarrytown living -Print Publication
2019: KXAN (Television) “Artist Spotlight”
2022 - Publication in Stroll Magazine
2022 - EASTside Magazine