Available to hire
Hello, I’m Zahra Shafie, a Tehran-born painter and visual artist based in the UAE. I work across painting, drawing, and installation, weaving memory and time into contemplative images that reflect both Iranian and international contexts. My practice has been shown in venues and festivals from Tehran to Brussels, Paris, and Dubai, including Yafteh Gallery, Aaran Art Gallery, and various group exhibitions.
In addition to creating, I teach painting and drawing across Iran and the UAE, and I have participated in artist residencies and international art fairs. I’m passionate about mentorship, exploring how art can foster dialogue across cultures.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
Persian
Fluent
English
Advanced
French
Advanced
Work Experience
Workshop Instructor at Rizq Art Initiative
January 1, 2025 - PresentWorkshop instructor in portraiture for participants at Rizq Art Initiative in Abu Dhabi.
Masterclass Instructor at Sakku Art Platform
January 1, 2025 - PresentMasterclass on mastering skin tones in portrait painting.
Instructor at Abu Dhabi Canvas Project & Department of Municipalities and Transport
January 1, 2025 - PresentReimagining urban spaces through art in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Canvas Project & Department of Municipalities and Transport.
Sketching and Painting Instructor at Monarch Art and Crafts Center
December 31, 2024 - September 13, 2025Sketching and painting instruction in Abu Dhabi.
Private Art Instructor at Tehran & Karaj
December 31, 2023 - September 13, 2025Private art instruction in painting and drawing for individuals and groups in Tehran and Karaj.
Workshop Instructor at Rizq Art Initiative
January 1, 2025 - PresentLed a [PORTRATURE] workshop as part of Rizq Art Initiative.
Masterclass Instructor at Sakku Art Platform
January 1, 2025 - PresentDelivered masterclass on 'Mastering Skin Tones in Portrait Painting'.
Instructor at Abu Dhabi Canvas Project & Department of Municipalities and Transport Abu Dhabi
January 1, 2025 - PresentReimagining Urban Spaces Through Art — collaborative project.
Sketching and Painting Instructor at Monarch Art and Crafts Center
January 1, 2024 - PresentSketching and painting instruction for various ages.
Private Art Instructor at Tehran & Karaj
December 31, 2023 - September 13, 2025Private art instruction in painting and drawing.
Artist in Residence at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
January 1, 2025 - PresentInternational Artist in Residence
Artist in Residence at RAI Abu Dhabi
January 1, 2025 - PresentArtist in Residence program
Artist in Residence at The Light of Sacred Places
January 1, 2019 - PresentInternational Artistic residence
Artist in Residence at Cité International des Arts
January 1, 2017 - PresentCité International des Arts residency
Workshop Instructor at Rizq Art Initiative
January 1, 2025 - PresentLeading portrait and figure painting workshop series in Abu Dhabi.
Masterclass Instructor at Sakku Art Platform
January 1, 2025 - PresentMasterclass on skin tones in portrait painting.
Instructor at Abu Dhabi Canvas Project & Department of Municipalities and Transport
January 1, 2025 - PresentReimagining urban spaces through art in collaboration with municipal partners.
Instructor at Monarch Art and Crafts Center
January 1, 2024 - PresentSketching and painting instructor in Abu Dhabi.
Private Art Instructor at Tehran & Karaj
December 31, 2023 - September 13, 2025Painting & Drawing instruction for various ages and skill levels.
Artist in Residence at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
January 1, 2025 - PresentInternational artist residency program.
Artist in Residence at RAI Abu Dhabi
January 1, 2025 - PresentArtist residency program.
Artist in Residence at The Light of Sacred Places, Isfahan
January 1, 2019 - PresentInternational residency program in Isfahan.
Artist in Residence at Cité International des Arts
January 1, 2017 - PresentResidency in Paris.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Painting at Shahed University, Tehran
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2010Graphic Diploma at Visual Art Conservatory, Tehran
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2003B.A in Painting at Shahed University Tehran
January 1, 2010 - September 13, 2025Graphic Diploma at Visual Art Conservatory Tehran
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2003B.A in Painting at Shahed University
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010Graphic Diploma at Visual Art Conservatory
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003B.A in Painting at Shahed University, Tehran
January 1, 2010 - September 13, 2025Graphic Diploma at Visual Art Conservatory, Tehran
January 1, 2003 - September 13, 2025Qualifications
Diploma of Excellence
January 1, 2019 - September 13, 2025Diploma of Excellency
January 1, 2019 - September 13, 2025Diploma of Excellence
January 1, 2019 - September 13, 2025Institut Français Grant
January 1, 2017 - September 13, 2025First Place - Snowy Town Festival
January 1, 2007 - September 13, 2025First Place - Flight and Persistence Exhibition
January 1, 2007 - September 13, 2025Diploma of Excellence from Art & Heritage Association in Partnership with Cultural Center of UNESCO Isfahan Tehran Bucharest
January 1, 2019 - September 13, 2025Institut Français’s Grant
January 1, 2017 - September 13, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other
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