The Eeman Masood Times Square animation is lighting up New York City this February, placing a Pakistan-trained miniature painter in one of the world’s most visible public art spaces. Her hand-painted piece, titled Listen, is screened nightly on the iconic Times Square billboards.
The animation forms part of Times Square Arts’ monthly “Midnight Moment” programme. Each night from 11:57 pm to 12:00 am, the artwork appears across 96 screens, transforming the commercial hub into a shared public gallery. February has been designated as Masood’s showcase month.
Masood was trained in miniature and watercolour painting at the National College of Arts (NCA). Later, during her master’s degree at the University of Victoria in Canada, she expanded her traditional hand-painted practice into animation. Access to technical facilities allowed her to translate delicate brushwork into moving imagery
Eeman Masood Times Square Animation and the Meaning of “Listen”
The Eeman Masood Times Square animation titled Listen reflects what the artist describes as the quiet generosity and endurance of the natural world. The piece features shimmering particles surrounding an ancient banyan tree, blending earthly and celestial elements.
Every detail in the animation was painted by hand before being digitally animated. Peacocks and the central banyan tree form the core imagery. This process highlights Masood’s commitment to traditional technique, even within a contemporary digital format.
The music accompanying the piece was composed specifically for the project. Created by her friend Mujeeb, a senior at NCA, the soundtrack features the flute and the santur. The sound design complements the animation’s reflective tone.
Inspiration Rooted in Nature and Memory
Masood says she has long been drawn to nature, not only for its beauty but also for its subtle resilience. She describes being inspired by “small signs of hope” found in cycles of decay and renewal.
The banyan tree motif connects to a personal memory. During a visit to Lahore in 2023, she saw a banyan often referred to as a “tree of blessing.” Although the tree appeared weathered and covered with advertisements, it continued to provide wide shade to nearby shopkeepers.
For Masood, this image symbolised endurance and quiet strength. That symbolism now appears on some of the world’s most recognisable digital billboards.
Artists can submit proposals to the Midnight Moment programme. However, final selections are made after multiple rounds of panellist review. Masood’s work was chosen last year and underwent an extended preparation process before its public debut.
The display marks a significant milestone for a Pakistan-trained artist. It demonstrates how traditional art forms can evolve while retaining cultural roots.
