Imane Khoumili (Umenia)

Every painting holds a moment that words cannot quite describe.
A specific kind of silence.
A blurry, yet familiar feeling.
That’s where my desire to paint begins.

I’m not trying to tell a clear story.
I’m trying to capture an emotion, a trace, a passage.
Something simple — but essential.

Painting as a refuge

Creating, for me, is a way to come back to what matters.
When I paint, I disconnect from the noise, the pressure, the outside gaze.
I reconnect with myself , with something deeper inside.
Each piece becomes a moment out of time, a quiet space , sometimes even a form of healing.

I paint intuitively. I choose a color, a shape, a gesture , and I let it guide me.
Sometimes the painting resists.
Sometimes it flows, as if it already knows where it’s going.
And when it’s done, I look at it like a dream I’ve painted without fully realizing it.

Living works

What I create is not frozen. It’s made of living fragments.
Pieces of feelings, thoughts, invisible influences.
Nature, old fabrics, Moroccan colors, mysterious symbols I encounter without always understanding them... all of it inspires me.

I like my paintings to feel a little imperfect.
I seek balance — yes — but not total control.
I prefer authenticity over perfection, raw emotion over technical display.

For those who look

I don’t paint just for myself.
I like to imagine that somewhere, someone will come across one of my pieces , and feel something without knowing why.
Like a quiet mirror, or a forgotten memory.

If my work can bring softness, calm, or simply a quiet moment of beauty,
then I’ve done something meaningful.

Thank you to those who take the time to look, to feel, and to read.
Welcome to my world.

By Imane Khoumili from Umenia Gallery

My art is a space where color, detail, and emotion come together to tell quiet stories. Guided by a bohemian and poetic spirit, I create paintings that reflect both the beauty of the visible world and the richness of the inner one.

I am drawn to organic forms, textured patterns, and compositions that balance freedom and structure. Some of my paintings may feel decorative at first glance, but they are always born from something deeper, a memory, a mood, a silent message.

While I sometimes explore abstract elements, most of my work is not purely abstract. I often include recognizable shapes, scenes, or symbolic elements that hint at personal or cultural connections. I love to mix graphic details, soft lines, and rich colors to create artworks that feel both modern and timeless.

I don’t follow strict rules or techniques. I paint intuitively, letting the brush and the moment guide me. Sometimes I start with a vague idea, a color combination, or just a feeling , and I build the piece step by step, layer by layer, until it feels alive.

I’m not trying to impress with complexity. I want to create emotion, spark curiosity, and let viewers find their own meaning in each piece. Whether it’s through a vibrant color harmony, a textured shape, or a mysterious symbol, I want my art to speak gently, but truly.

I see art as a personal language, but also as a bridge. In every painting, there is a part of my story , but also space for yours. I don’t paint to explain; I paint to share, connect, and feel.