Art transcends isolation—it becomes a universal language, a bridge to connect us all. For Shanoor, this truth has been a guiding force in his life and work. Arriving in Chicago at 26, Shanoor brought with him a profound passion for visual storytelling. His journey began with formal training in advertising design in London, which led to a successful career as an art director at the esteemed Leo Burnett agency. Yet, his heart always belonged to painting, a practice he has pursued since the age of six.
Born into a family shaped by the pain of displacement, Shanoor’s art is a reflection of his personal history and a powerful statement on the human condition. His work is driven by an urgency to express and disrupt, creating a dialogue that challenges viewers to confront the unfamiliar.
Shanoor describes his unique style as Neo Symbolic Expressionism, a response to the extreme conditions of our time. Inspired by surrealism and the transformative power of Picasso, his art reinvents reality on the canvas. Eyes multiply, lips stretch into otherworldly shapes, and hands transform into fluid, clay-like forms. These extraordinary subjects, set against stark, simple backgrounds, create a provocative interplay between the ordinary and the hyper-real.
The tragedies and triumphs that have marked Shanoor’s life are deeply embedded in his creative process. Drawing from the displacement of his parents and his own sense of dislocation, he crafts characters and worlds that exist on the edge of the real and the imagined. Through his art, he explores themes of identity, memory, and transformation, creating a new reality where free expression reigns.
Shanoor’s work is more than an artistic vision—it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Each piece invites viewers into a world that is simultaneously strange and familiar, urging them to reflect on their perceptions and embrace new perspectives.
Through his paintings, Shanoor not only tells his story but also offers a space where others can find meaning, connection, and inspiration.
