Maryam Mirzaei’s innovative approach to the traditional Persian art of miniature painting is a reflection of her personal 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 of carpet design into her later painting practice. She then started her professional career as a designer at a major corporation while teaching art on a part-time basis.
In 2001, Maryam was invited to join The Art Centre, a well-known centre of excellence in the arts in Iran, as an apprentice, which is how artists in Iran are usually trained in the traditional art of miniature painting. Whilst at the centre, Maryam came into contact with many other artists who influenced her style and practice over the coming years. 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 in Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.
In 2007, Maryam came to London to study in order 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 received another MA in Islamic studies, which led her to explore many issues and styles in contemporary fine art practice, traditional arts, and theory.
Alongside her research and studies in the arts, Maryam has run various painting workshops and has held several exhibitions in London, Durham and Leicester.
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 which can be best described as a contemporised traditional art.
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- P21 Gallery
London 18th February – 5th March 2020 - Willeseden Gallery
London 6th – 17th November 2018 - POSK Gallery
London 15th – 25th September 2016 - ExCeL London
In Support of the Women, 2014
- Iranian Cultural Center
London 15th -26th June 2011 - Exhibition of Iranian Art and Culture
Bishkek Kyrgyzstan 2006 - Exhibition of Iranian Art and Culture
Marv & Ashkhabad-Turkmenistan 2005
- Workshop – P21 Gallery
London, United Kingdom. Feb 2020 - Workshop – Willesden Gallery
Willesden Green, London, United Kingdom. April 2019 - Workshop – A Test of Persia
Leicester, United Kingdom. March 2011. - Workshop – Durham University
Durham, United Kingdom 2009
- P21 Gallery, London
18th February – 5th March 2020 - POSK Gallery, London
15th – 25th September 2020 - Willeseden Gallery, London
6th – 17th November 2018 - Iranian Cultural Centre, London
2011