Raahim Tariq: Bridging Realism and Minimalism in Art

Raahim Tariq’s work bridges realism and minimalism, blending lifelike portraiture with the simplicity of cartoon vector illustration.

Three young women lounging on a bed covered with a purple blanket, engaged in a communal activity. They are surrounded by various beauty items and an open magazine, while a laptop displays content in front of them. The room is decorated with colorful posters and plants by the window, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. — Binge Rats, 2025, 60.96 × 45.72 cm
Mix Media: Color Pencil, Oil Pastel, Pencil, Digitally painted on Illustrator, collaged on Photoshop

The scene celebrates comfort, clutter, and connection, it’s a love letter to safe spaces for women, where intimacy thrives, no perfection needed — just warmth, laughter, and the ease of being completely yourself – a bunch of binge rats (All descriptions are in the words of the artist).

An illustration of three women in colorful clothing, one pouring a drink, another drinking, and the third looking surprised as a drink spills. The background is red, emphasizing the chaotic yet playful moment shared among friends. — Spilling the Tea, 2025, 84.07 × 52.83 cm. Mix Media – Pen, Ink, Color Pencil on paper & Adobe Illustrator digitally collaged on Adobe Photoshop, printed on matte coated paper.

Three of my closest girlfriends fill the space with their chaotic, hilarious energy from their late-night pajama conversations. Each figure reflects their distinct reactions — from outrage to calm sips — as stories and secrets pour out.

Three women preparing together in front of a colorful mirror, with one applying lipstick and another using a curling iron. The scene highlights their close bond and shared beauty routine, surrounded by various beauty products. — Get Ready With Me, 2024, 45.72 × 60.96 cm. Mix Media – Pencil, Charcoal, Chalk on paper & Adobe Illustrator digitally collaged on Adobe Photoshop, printed on matte coated paper.

This piece captures the chaotic ritual of getting ready together – shared mirror space, curling irons, and the layered intimacy of communal beauty. Even in the smallest, most cramped spaces, the girls instinctively make room for each other — physically and emotionally — reflecting the unspoken care, rhythm, and love embedded in these everyday rituals.

Raahim Tariq is a Toronto-based artist and Multimedia Designer. He combines his animation and illustration skills with traditional techniques like pen drawing, colored pencil, and acrylic painting.

Raahim Tariq at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, 2025, here.

His website, here.