Shima Najafi

I'm a surrealist oil painter, deeply inspired by human emotion, identity, and the silent stories that live beneath the surface. As a woman born and raised in the Middle East, my work is shaped by the complex realities of growing up in a region where women's voices are often suppressed or overlooked.

Through portraiture and symbolism, I explore the social pressures placed on women in underdeveloped countries—pressures that shape their roles, silence their desires, and often go unseen. Each of my paintings tells a story; sometimes personal, sometimes collective, but always emotional. I strive to create art that speaks when words fall short.

My goal is not only to express, but also to provoke thought and dialogue. I believe that art can challenge, heal, and connect us across boundaries. Thank you for being here and for taking the time to see the world through my lens.