Interview: Mouna Arnaout
Luca Curci talks with Mouna Arnaout during THE EXTENDED BODY 2020 at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

Since last year, Mouna Arnaout has been focussing on painting. She has worked as a storyboard artist for many years in Munich, which has strengthened her imagination and has allowed her to draw out of her mind. She has always loved to play with different angles. As a young girl, she was very attracted to photorealism. Later, she lost this interest in favour of expression and stories. She loves simple materials like ink and paper – black-and-white allows her to work with extreme light, and acryl on wood which is her preferred material.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Mouna Arnout – It is a need.

LC – What are you currently working on?
MA – I am working on a series of paintings dealing with the binary between the ambiguity of reality and the truth. How to assess a situation? Are there any hard facts? To listen to your feelings: is this the only way to find out? The complexity of the world reflects the complexity of the individuum. It is a great challenge to find out, it makes life exciting – and good, I think.

LC – What is your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
MA – I have been working as a storyboard artist for a long time and enjoyed it. Besides, I made “Comics”, my first graphic novel. Now, I focus on my own artistic projects. I draw and paint out of my mind – I don’t need any models, that makes me feel free! Of course, I have to do research work if I want to draw, something I don’t know already. But the process will always be that I study it first then I draw out of my mind, the angle I want.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
MA – In my daily life, a lot in music, contemporary art, when I talk to artists.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
MA – I love to get feedback! It enriches me, yes! That is why I force to exhibit my work now. How different interpretations can be – that is what art can do, it opens doors to people to find their own stories. It is so interesting, it encourages me to go further next time. However, I would not follow the suggestions.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
MA – I don’t think that my style has changed. When I look at old drawings and paintings I see the same style. What has changed is the context. The process was different, as well. In the past, I thought “what can I draw?”, instead, now I am more experienced and today there is a feeling I need to interpret through painting, I don’t plan anymore.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
MA – I use the human body – maybe because that is what I know best – to show the complexity of the world reflecting the complexity of the individual.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
MA – Compliment to your team, it was easy to work with you! Everyone was friendly, competent and helpful!