Zeinat Gelli (née Atta) is a contemporary artist and oil painter. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she spent her formative years there before moving to the UK for boarding school. It was during this time that she discovered her dual passions for art and biology, which served as her means of exploring and understanding the world. Her true calling to become an artist emerged later in life after a long career in the pharmaceutical sector. Zeinat's scientific background deeply informs her work, influencing her curiosity to observe, investigate and capture intricate details in her paintings. She currently resides in Maryland with her family.
Statement
My current body of work consists of figurative and still-life oil paintings that bring to life the imagery of modern African wax-printed textile patterns. This visual language was deeply rooted in my upbringing in a Nigerian household, particularly through my mother, whose early career was spent designing these fabrics. Drawing from the vivid colours and symbolic patterns traditionally used for storytelling and visual communication, I reimagine these elements as tools for exploring personal and societal narratives. Through this process, I seek new ways of deconstructing lived experiences, both my own and those we collectively share.
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