Toor: Queer Brown Protagonists Own the Main Story

Pakistani American artist Salman Toor has achieved global recognition for his evocative oil paintings that place queer South Asian men at the forefront. His work, celebrated for its rich figurative style that references European old masters and Indian Mughal miniatures, aims to reclaim narratives of immigrants, desire, and identity.

Toor's career highlights include solo exhibitions in major cities and significant auction results, with one painting selling for $1.2 million. He was also recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in art.

Currently, London's Courtauld Gallery is hosting "Someone Like You," a curated selection of Toor's paintings and drawings, marking his first solo exhibition in Europe. Toor expressed profound excitement about this show, especially given his past visits to the Courtauld as an art student.

The exhibition features works from the last seven years, produced during a period when Toor gained U.S. citizenship. These pieces often explore themes of immigration and the experiences of individuals navigating new cultural landscapes. His signature use of the color green adds a layer of complexity, symbolizing both glamour and danger.

Toor draws inspiration from his experiences and observations, including a scene from a London restaurant that informed his painting "Cross Street." This piece captures the proximity of different social and religious groups within the city, reflecting his ongoing interest in masculinity and societal contrasts.

Currently residing in New York, Toor is part of a vibrant surge of creative energy within the city's South Asian and Middle Eastern communities, a movement he sees as exemplified by figures like Mayor Zohran Mamdani. This environment fuels his exploration of new possibilities for individuals from traditional backgrounds embracing the future.

Looking ahead, Toor continues to develop his art, with ongoing projects exploring diverse themes and figures, including a portrait of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent voice in pro-Palestine activism. He remains a powerful advocate for visible and fearless "brown protagonists" in contemporary society.