Maryam Mirzaei
Maryam Mirzaei’s innovative approach to the traditional Persian art of miniature painting is a reflection of her journey as an artist. Although she started her formal education in textile design and fashion, her journey took a different direction when she became interested in classical and contemporary miniature painting which proved to be the focus of her art.
Maryam’s studies in Persian carpet design enabled her to incorporate many of the techniques and motifs into her later painting practice. She then started her professional career as a designer at a major corporation.
In 2004, Maryam received the Diploma of Honour, a prize given to young artists as recognition of their innovative work. In 2005, she won two further competitions in Persian and Islamic art (painting) and also had her first solo exhibition in Iran, immediately followed by exhibitions around the world.
In 2007 Maryam came to study in L
ondon to develop a wider perspective on art and to benefit from the variety of art and artists practicing here. She studied Fine Arts at Kensington and Chelsea College, then joined The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts to pursue her Master’s degree. She also received another MA in IslamicArt.
ondon to develop a wider perspective on art and to benefit from the variety of art and artists practicing here. She studied Fine Arts at Kensington and Chelsea College, then joined The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts to pursue her Master’s degree. She also received another MA in IslamicArt.Alongside her research and studies in the arts, Maryam ran various painting workshops and held several exhibitions:
Solo Exhibitions:
• Crossover, P21 Gallery, London (2020)
• Crossover, Willesden Gallery, London (2018) Crossover, POSK Gallery, London (2016)
• Iranian Art and Culture, Iranian Centre, London (2011)
• Durham University (2009)
• The Movement of Motives, Mashhad, Iran (2005)
Group Exhibitions:
• Saachi Gallery, London (2023)
• ExCeL London (2014)
• The princes’ school (2013)
• Leicester Cathedral, Leicester (2011)
• Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (2005)
• Iranian Art and Culture Exhibition, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan (2004)
• Alhambra University, Lahore, Pakistan (2003)
Maryam’s artistic journey has taken her from the worlds of textile and carpet design to miniature and contemporary painting, resulting in a unique artistic style and identity that can be best described as contemporized traditional Art.