London based artist Alyina Zaidi creates magical landscapes and abstracted scenes inspired by her cross-cultural background. Growing up in New Delhi and having lived in the US and UK, Zaidi’s paintings are imbued with symbolism and animism, showcasing multiple metaphysical perspectives and creating magic where magic exists. Her work explores a strange ever-changing world of pink rocks, flowing rivers, mysterious lakes, and black voids, guided by a spiritual intuitive mark making.
Zaidi's paintings present a world that is lively and dynamic, defying traditional representation and perspective. Her works, often in shaped canvases, embody mysterious symbolism by animating everyday objects such as plants, food, and clouds, to underscore their spiritual presence. The artist takes inspiration from the vivid colours of Persian and South Asian miniature paintings, as well as her own narratives.
Alyina Zaidi (b. in Delhi, 1995) holds an MA in painting from Royal College of Art, London, and a BA from Mount Holyoke College, Massachusetts (2017). Her work has been exhibited across Europe, the UK and USA. Recent solo and group exhibitions include Once, Then, Gone, Newchild, Antwerp (2023); Foolish Fire, Newchild, Antwerp (2023); Katja Farin, Maria Farrar, Esme Hodsoll, Alyina Zaidi, Alexander Berggruen, New York (2023); The Moth and the Thunderclap, Modern Art Helmet Row, London (2023); Myths of Observation, Hales Gallery, London (2022); Where Cloudy Waters Collide, Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London (2022); Shivering Trees, Curling Flames, Newchild, Antwerp (2022); Planisphere, indigo + madder, London (2021, solo); When Snowdrops Rise, MAPA Fine Art, The Hague, Netherlands (2021); Tomorrow 2021: White Cube Online exhibition, London (2021); RCA Painting Degree Show, Cromwell Place, London (2021). The artist lives and works in London.
SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2021 / Planisphere, indigo + madder, London
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023 / Once, Then, Gone, Newchild, Antwerp
2023 / Foolish Fire, Newchild, Antwerp
2023 / Katja Farin, Maria Farrar, Esme Hodsoll, Alyina Zaidi, Alexander Berggruen, New York
2023 / The Moth and the Thunderclap, Modern Art Helmet Row, London
2022 / Myths of Observation, Hales Gallery, London
2022 / Where Cloudy Waters Collide, Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London
2022 / Shivering Trees, Curling Flames, Newchild Gallery, Antwerp
2021 / When Snowdrops Rise, MAPA Fine Art, The Hague
2021 / Tomorrow 2021: White Cube Online exhibition, London
2021 / RCA Painting Degree Show, Cromwell Place, London
2020 / Work in Progress Show, Royal College of Art, London
2020 / Wet Paint, Bowes Parris Gallery, London