Samar F Zia (b.1983) lives and practices in London. Her current work began as a celebration of the extraordinary design of nature. Growing from a fascination with using biotechnology to affect and control nature, her practice has expanded to incorporate divinity, myth, and memory. Overwhelmed by her research, Zia’s practice took a turn towards story-telling, highlighting the absurd and fantastic.

Trained as a painter and miniaturist Zia’s art has evolved significantly; owing to her desire to experiment with material and media she has explored unusual materials such as muslin, gauze and gel medium, metal alloys and leather in 2-dimensional work, while also dabbling in sound and video installation. The process of making is of utmost importance to her. Her current research and interests are primarily realized in the form of miniature painting, collage and a cross between the two. Employing scientific development, curious materials, and lived experience as her arsenal, Zia aims to make work that is challenging for her and stimulating for her audience.

Zia has exhibited widely in Pakistan and London. She graduated with Distinction in BFA from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. She holds an MA FA from Central Saint Martins, London. She has curated independently in London’s Hanmi Gallery. She was Artist-in-Residence at the Fitzrovia Centre in Central London from 2015-2017 after which she presented her work in a solo exhibition at the Fitzrovia Chapel. Zia has also formulated the After-school Art club program at the Fitzrovia Centre. Zia worked as an exhibition guide at The Hayward Gallery in London. She was an Assistant curator at The Mohatta Palace Museum for the show The Rising Tide. Zia has also served as Visiting faculty at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture.

website: www.samarfzia.com
email : info@samarfzia.com