'I Have Always Been a Dreamer': Meet Mujahid, the Mastermind Behind Sard Visuals

by Alexandra Mansilla

'I Have Always Been a Dreamer': Meet Mujahid, the Mastermind Behind Sard Visuals

2 Feb 2025

An old man jumping on a skateboard. Tinky Winky riding a scooter. A woman in a black veil balancing a soccer ball on her head. Three women in veils cruising in a cabriolet. And, of course, women in a supermarket — one inside a shopping cart, the other pushing it forward.

You have definitely seen these stunning images on Instagram. And, like us, you probably can’t stop looking at them.

We are sure you already know whose work we are talking about — Sard Visuals, the creative studio that harnesses Artificial Intelligence to craft surreal and captivating art. But who is behind it? Meet Mujahid Jamal, an Omani photographer and the mastermind behind the project.

How did he bring Sard Visuals to life? What came before it? And what — or who — shaped his artistic vision? We have always wanted to learn more about Mujahid, and fortunately, we finally had the chance.

— Hi Mujahid! Were you a photographer from the very beginning, or did you do something else first?

— Before founding Sard Visuals, my passion for creativity began with photography. However, I also studied aerospace engineering, which gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving and precision. Photography was always my true calling, and I gradually transitioned to pursuing it.

— Where did you study?

— I studied aerospace engineering in California, which exposed me to diverse perspectives and cultures. That experience greatly influenced my creative outlook.

— Are there any artists in your family?

— While there aren’t artists in my family, my parents instilled a deep appreciation for creativity and storytelling. Their influence taught me the importance of perseverance and innovation in pursuing my artistic passions.

— How did your journey in photography begin?

— My journey in photography began with a simple desire to capture authentic moments and tell stories through visuals. Over time, I became more interested in creating images that blend reality with imagination, which later evolved into incorporating AI into my work.

— Is it your full-time job now, or are you involved in something else as well?

— It is not my full-time job — yet. While Sard and photography are a significant part of my life, I am also involved in other creative and professional endeavours. However, I am working toward making this my main focus, as it is where my passion truly lies.

Instagram: @muji70

— You have travelled a lot. Which city did you love taking pictures in the most? Is there a story behind any of the photos you have taken that you would like to share?

— Los Angeles holds a special place for me when it comes to photography. The city’s diversity in landscapes — from the beaches to the urban streets and the mountains — offers endless creative opportunities. One memorable photo I took was during golden hour at Griffith Observatory, capturing the sprawling city below bathed in warm light. It was a moment that reminded me of the beauty in contrasts — nature coexisting with urban life. Every time I shoot in LA, I feel inspired by its energy and ever-changing scenery.

Instagram: @muji70

— Also, while travelling, you met a lot of people. Are there any stories about the interesting people you have met that you would like to share?

— One memorable encounter was with an elderly craftsman in Oman who painted pottery. We spoke about the intersection of tradition and modernity, and it inspired me to reflect on how art evolves while still honouring its roots. These kinds of interactions always stay with me and shape my creative process.

Instagram: @muji70

— In 2018, you started the "Omani Skull" illustration series — can you tell us more about it? Why skulls?

— The "Omani Skull" series was born out of me exploring Adobe Illustrator and experimenting with blending Omani heritage with modern art. The skulls represented a canvas for combining traditional patterns and vibrant colours with contemporary design. It was a way to celebrate cultural identity while pushing creative boundaries in a modern, unconventional form.

Omani Skull illustration series. Instagram: @muji70

— In 2021, you created an art installation called "Your Utopia". What inspired you to create it? Was it a reflection of something you were feeling at the time?

— “Your Utopia” was inspired by the idea of personal sanctuary — a place where one feels at peace. It reflected a desire to create spaces that are emotionally safe and artistically uplifting. The woman in the photo represented introspection and finding one’s inner calm amidst chaos.

"Your Utopia". Instagram: @muji70

— At Sikka, we are anticipating your project “Dreams in the Wash.” What can we expect from it? And why this name?

— "Dreams in the Wash” represents the journey of turning long-held aspirations into reality. It reflects the process of overcoming obstacles and allowing creativity to flow freely, blending memories, imagination, and perseverance into a vivid narrative.

— Is it inspired by your personal story?

— Yes, "Dreams in the Wash" is deeply inspired by my personal journey. As a child, I was always a dreamer, my mind filled with vivid ideas and boundless imagination. However, growing up, I faced logistical challenges, limited networks, and financial constraints that often made those dreams feel just out of reach.

Despite these barriers, I never let go of my ideas — I preserved them like treasures in my mind. As I grew older, new challenges emerged, but with the rise of AI, the barriers that once confined my creativity seemed to dissolve. AI became a tool that allowed me to bring my long-cherished visions to life effortlessly, transforming them into tangible, vivid works of art.

This installation reflects that journey. The artworks, printed on fabric and hanging delicately on drying ropes, symbolise how my dreams — once confined to my imagination — are now free and tangible. The progression from childhood to adulthood is mirrored in the way these pieces hang side by side, illustrating how my imagination and perseverance have intertwined over the years.

"Dreams in the Wash" is, at its core, a reflection on nostalgia, resilience, and the power of creativity when freed from limitations. It is an invitation for others to step into my world, where dreams that once felt distant now hang freely in the air.

Image: Sard Visuals

— Can you always recognise when a piece of art online is AI-generated? Have there been cases where you thought a piece was AI-generated, but it turned out to be created by an artist — or the other way around?

— I have developed a strong eye for recognising AI-generated art due to its patterns and tendencies, but I have also been pleasantly surprised by pieces I thought were AI-generated but were crafted by incredibly skilled artists. This interplay keeps me fascinated by the possibilities of both human creativity and AI.

— Are there still some aspects of AI in art that you don’t particularly love?

— While AI is a powerful tool, it often struggles with truly understanding cultural nuances and emotional depth. The human touch — whether through storytelling, imperfections, or subtlety — is something I feel AI cannot replicate yet, and this is why human direction is essential.

by Alexandra Mansilla