I am Shadi Vezvaei, and I'd like to take you on a journey through my art-a journey that's deeply intertwined with my cultural roots, my identity, and the essence of womanhood.
Growing up in Iran, I initially pursued a degree in psychology before my path led me to the United Kingdom in my twenties. It wasn't until later, after starting a family and raising my two daughters, that I felt the pull to pursue my true passion: art.
Immersing myself in my studies, I completed both my undergraduate and MA in Fine Art. It was during this time that I discovered the freedom and power of expression that art provides.
My Iranian heritage serves as a wellspring of inspiration for me. It infuses my work with a blend of tradition, symbolism, and contemporary perspective. Women hold a significant place in my art, reflecting the complex roles they play in Iranian society and beyond.
Through my art, I aim to challenge stereotypes and celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of women. Each piece reflects my personal journey and a tribute to the diverse cultures that have shaped my identity.
From vibrant landscapes to intimate portraits, my work invites you to delve into the complexities of culture, womanhood, and the human experience. It's a journey of exploration and discovery-a celebration of diversity and shared humanity.
In a world where borders blur and cultures intersect, my art is a reminder of the beauty that emerges when we embrace our differences and celebrate the richness of our collective heritage.
STUDIO PRACTICE
I have witnessed in the studio of Shadi Vezvaei how her peers thrive on the quality of her thinking and personality. Vezvaei has the capacity to edit the ideas and forms in her paintings to their essential elements without losing the excitement of lateral thinking. Her work is a clear manifestation of thorough and varied research and experimentation, undertaken almost always as a synthesis of the practical and the empirical.
I have seen audiences captivated by her work. I am sure this is simply because she is as conscious of the materials and the tools she uses as well as the artistic concepts and concerns for narrative within her pieces. Relate these personal characteristics to the quality of the projects she has developed, the range of materials she uses, from clay to copper, the locations in which she has worked, the pertinent questions she asks, they say much about her intellect and innate capacity to realise ambitious ideas and plans without fuss and bother.
I believe Vezvaei has an exceptional capacity to understand her audience and the territories in which her artworks are going to operate. She is always putting herself 'in' rather than 'out' of touch with contemporary concerns in painting. She achieves innovation without arrogance or any sense of elitism. She operates calmly and with an understated wit. These human qualities are reflected in the nature of her work.
Jeremy Gardiner