Zanya Dahl
Dublin
Zanya is an Irish artist based in Dublin. Her work explores the theme of connection.
Message
Born and raised in Dublin, Zanya spent 17 years as a founder and director of a successful branding and design agency before deciding to pursue her lifelong passion for painting. At the end of 2019, she became a full-time professional artist.
Working primarily with oils on canvas, Zanya paints daily in her Merrion Square studio, where she works on new pieces and also private commissions.
Zanya exhibited her work for the first time at Artsource in the RDS, Dublin, in 2021, and was thrilled to be shortlisted for the RHA 191st and 193rd annual exhibition. Her paintings encompass the full spectrum of life and are inspired by moments that resonate with her emotionally. This could be in the form of self-portraiture, where she documents a stage in her own personal evolution, or using visual narrative to highlight a social issue that is close to her heart. Zanya is also interested in capturing moments of connection, whether it be between people or with the natural world around us.
As a figurative painter, Zanya's work is deeply emotive, and she uses her talent to convey the complexity of the human experience. Her paintings often explore themes of identity, relationships, and the fragility of the human condition. Zanya is constantly pushing herself to grow and evolve as an artist, experimenting with different techniques and styles to create a unique and authentic voice.
Her work has been described as raw, honest, and emotional, reflecting the depth of her passion and a deep connection to the world around her.
When she's not painting, Zanya spends time with her partner and their two daughters in Dublin, finding inspiration in the everyday moments of family life. Her work is a reflection of how she experiences the world.
If you are interested discussing a commission,send an email to [email protected]
Statement
My work is an exploration of humanity at its most authentic—those fleeting moments when we are lost in the experience of simply being. Through my art, I aim to reveal the beauty that arises when we let go of the labels, cultural constraints, and unconscious biases that divide us. I use art to capture the simple, universal things that unite us, the moments where our humanity shines through unfiltered—whether it's a shared laugh, a loving touch, or a moment of stillness. I strive to bring attention to these moments as a way to invite viewers to imagine a world where we live in greater love and understanding.
As an artist, I continuously investigate the boundaries of identity and the essence of what unites us as humans. My work reflects a personal journey of shedding parts of myself shaped by societal expectations or internalized biases. This demands a willingness to face discomfort and uncertainty. I am interested in exploring how we can navigate these difficult transitions and embrace a higher way of being, even when the path is unclear. Painting self-portraits helps me to capture and process these internal shifts as they unfold.
Ultimately, my work is about possibility. Instead of mirroring the discord so often portrayed in the media, my work seeks to envision a future where we dare to live with open hearts, free from the limitations and constraints of identity. Through this lens, I hope to encourage a deeper reflection on what it truly means to be human, inviting us all to embrace the unknown and find beauty in the shared journey of existence.