Artist Massoud Hayoun, formerly a journalist, explores themes of control in his work titled 'Stateless'.
Title: Diving into the Vibrant World of Massoud Hayoun: 'Stateless' at Larkin Durey, London, June 6-27, 2025
The vibrant and thought-provoking art of Los Angeles-based, award-winning artist and author Massoud Hayoun will make its premiere in London with the solo exhibition 'Stateless' at Larkin Durey from June 6th to the 27th, 2025. Coinciding with the London Gallery Weekend 2025, this captivating show promises a dazzling exploration of systems of control.
Driven by his diverse heritage – Jewish and Arab, with roots in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia – Hayoun weaves intricate narratives that tackle themes like identity, marginalized histories, colonialism, and power structures. Late May 2025 marked his New York debut at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, offering a tantalizing taste of what's to come.
We sat down with the visionary painter for an exclusive interview ahead of his London show's opening. What follows is an unfiltered, galvanizing conversation about the title, influences, and meaning behind his stunning body of work.
Q: What inspired the title 'Stateless' for your show?
A: 'Stateless' is named after a painting that features my grandfather, who raised me. He left his homeland, Egypt, and I was struck by the precariousness of citizenship and the nation-state in today's world. The title reflects a broad range of definitions, from political issues to the plight of women, particularly concerning reproductive rights in the United States.
Q: When did your scrutiny of political systems and control begin, and why do you feel it's essential to delve into this subject?
A: My time as a journalist for Al Jazeera, writing a book about colonial politics in North Africa with my grandmother, sparked my curiosity and led me to question the origins of my identity and the ways in which policymakers' decisions have influenced my perspective on the world. My investigation reveals that much of what we were taught is merely a product of political agendas that serve to disenfranchise and marginalize people across the globe.
Q: How does your Egyptian, Moroccan, and Tunisian heritage manifest in your work?
A: Growing up in an environment immersed in influential films from my grandparents' generation, particularly Egyptian cinema's golden era, leaves an indelible mark on my art. Many elements in my paintings are influenced by this rich cinematic heritage, from characters' costumes to visual representations of the time. Additionally, painting my family members and myself in these vivid hues serves as an homage to the past while connecting with people sharing similar cultural experiences.
Q: Can you share insights into how blue has become a signature color in your work?
A: I am deeply inspired by film, and the idea of blue began with a spirit that appeared in this hue with highlights and shadows in a movie I watched. This sparked my imagination and brought a ghostly quality to the people and creatures I paint. Honoring the elegiac nature of art, I paint everyone in my world in shades of blue, evoking a sense of melancholy, spirituality, or emotional depth that mirrors themes of cultural heritage and the complexities of human existence.
'Stateless' opens June 6th at Larkin Durey in London, offering viewers an enlightening glimpse into the kaleidoscopic universe of Massoud Hayoun. Discover more about this remarkable exhibition at !
'Stateless', the title of Massoud Hayoun's upcoming London exhibition, draws inspiration from the precariousness of citizenship and nationality, addressing a broad range of political issues as well as reproductive rights in the United States. Hayoun's exploration of political systems and control was fueled by his experience as a journalist for Al Jazeera and writing a book about colonial politics in North Africa with his grandmother. His diverse heritage, experiencing movies from his grandparents' generation, predominantly Egyptian cinema, has a profound influence on his work, particularly evident in the vivid hues he uses to depict family members and himself.
