A hand-painted animation by artist Eeman Masood is projected every evening in February on the iconic billboards of New York’s Times Square, placing the work of a Pakistani-trained miniature painter in one of the most visible public art spaces in the world.
The piece, titled “Listen,” is part of Times Square Arts’ monthly “Midnight Moment” program. Speaking on PK Press Club News “PK Press Club Pakistan” program, Masood said the work was displayed every evening from 11:57 p.m. to midnight on 96 screens, with February designated as its showcase month.
Masood said her practice is rooted in miniature painting and watercolor, which she studied at the National College of Arts (NCA). During her master’s degree at the University of Victoria in Canada, she said she was able to apply this hand-painted practice to animation with greater access to facilities and support.
Describing the selection process, she said artists can submit proposals, but the final choice is made after several rounds of review by panelists. Masood said his work was selected last year, followed by a long process before it was exhibited.
“Listening” reflects what she describes as the quiet generosity and endurance of the natural world. The animation features shimmering particles circling an ancient banyan tree, blurring the line between the earthly and the celestial.
Masood said every element of the piece, including the peacocks and banyan tree at its center, was hand painted before being animated.
The music for the work was created by his friend Mujeeb, a senior at NCA, who played the flute and santur, with the soundtrack created specifically for the project.
Masood said she has long been drawn to nature, not only for its superficial beauty, but also for the “little signs of hope” it offers, the cycles of ending and returning.
She linked the banyan tree motif to a visit to Lahore in 2023, saying she had long heard of a banyan tree called the “tree of blessing” and was moved when she first saw it. She said its condition appeared poor, with advertisements plastered on it, but it continued to provide massive shade while people shopped underneath.
