The paintings, sculpture and ceramics of Shadi Vezvaei reflect the culture of her Persian roots. Her images and objects are a response to contemporary life grounded in the tradition of Persian miniature painting. The techniques she employs are comparable to the Byzantine and Medieval traditions of miniatures in illuminated manuscripts.
In the 16th Century, the classic period of miniature painting artists were exclusively male. Drawing inspiration from the poetic narratives of Shahname stories Vezvaei wholeheartedly resurrects the voice of women who once graced the pages of these ancient verses. Her art not only captures the timeless elegance of Persian femininity but also serves as a visual dialogue, bridging the narratives of the past with the realities faced by women today.
In the narrative scenes of her paintings and ceramics (Mina’i) Vezvaei invites you to explore the cultural tapestry of her homeland and examine the complex issues of dislocation and identity. The delicate dialogue between tradition and modernity unfolds in the stories she narrates, a statement to the enduring spirit of Persian women across the ages. Animals, including the horses are often depicted in profile; even the love stories which are part of the classical tradition take place on horseback, especially when Princes are portrayed. Many of her pictures are individual portraits, of notable figures from Persian poetry or scenes of lovers in a garden or simply sharing a picnic.
The bright and pure colouring of Persian miniatures is also a feature of her works, all the pigments are mineral-based ones, except silver, which is used to depict water.
Each brush stroke and carefully controlled texture work in harmony to illustrate the complex symbolism of her heritage, fusing her understanding of modern art and antiquity for a contemporary audience.
Upcoming exhibition
2025/ The folk , The gallery at Green and Stone , London, Uk
Solo exhibition
2024 / Campden Gallery, Chipping Campden, UK
Seleted group exhibition
2024 / ING Discerning eye, The mall gallery, London, UK
2024/ NEAC New English Art Club, The mall gallery, London, UK
2024/ Summer Exhibition, The gallery at Green and Stone , London, Uk
2019/ Phantom Limits, Drawing room, Bath
2018/ Locks brook campus, Bath
2018/ MA Degree show, Bath Spa University
2017/Line and Point, Center Space gallery, Bristol
2017/MA Interim Show, Bath Spa University
2016/ACE project, Art for Humanity, Arnolfini, Bristol
2016/ No mans land ,New woman Bristol Painters, Curated by John France at F Block Gallery, UWE Bristol
2015/ Nomads group, Arnolfini, Bristol
2015/ The memory of space at Centre space galley, Bristol
2015/ Drawing Hub, curated by Jan – Philipp Fruehosge, Berlin Drawing Hub
2014/ Melancholy, The English disease , curated by Professor Joanne Keseme at Colston Hall and Christmas steps gallery, Bristol
2014/ Drawing and print postcard exhibition Colston Hall
Education
MA Fine Art, Bath Spa University, passed with Merit
First class (Hons) BA, Drawing and Print University of West of England
Distinction, Diploma in Art and Design, SGC college
