Shahi Dayekh is an internationally acclaimed contemporary expressionist artist specializing in oil paint and mixed media. With a background in International Law, Peace, and Conflict Resolution, she devoted much of her life to humanitarian work before embracing her true passion for art over a decade ago. Having lived across Africa, Europe, the US, and the Middle East, Shahi’s diverse cultural experiences are a cornerstone of her creative vision.
Shahi uses oil and mixed media on massive canvases, often working on different pieces simultaneously. Her studio serves as a dynamic and imaginative space where she pours her raw emotions onto blank canvases. Her strokes are bold, layered, intricate, and vividly expressive, evoking a multitude of emotions and creating the illusion of movement. Each piece reflects her own life story while acting as a portal for viewers to connect with their own.
Her work draws inspiration from the tension between the characters we often play on the “world’s stage” and the deeper pull toward understanding one’s higher purpose. She explores the mysteries of human existence, the interplay of femininity and masculinity within the natural world, and the profound beauty in the complexity of being human. Shahi’s paintings invite viewers to look deeper, as the art resonates within their spirit and speaks to their individual stories.
Shahi’s art has been exhibited in prestigious spaces worldwide, including the Collectibles Gallery in Istanbul, Rossocinabro Gallery in Rome, Alessandro Berni Gallery, and major art fairs like the XIV Florence Biennale, World Art Dubai, Bodrum Art Fair, and StART Art Fair London. Her work is also displayed in renowned venues such as the Movenpick Hotel in Beirut and Movenpick Resort El Qusair.
Through her process, Shahi continually reflects on universal emotions and struggles, blending cosmology, mythology, and metaphysics into bold, layered compositions. Reflections often appear in her work, symbolizing the duality of perspectives, while fragmented pieces come together like puzzles to tell stories of shared humanity.
Her pieces are accessible globally through platforms like Singulart, Artsper, Artsy, and Saatchi Art. Shahi is also the recipient of several honors, including a Creativity Award. Her art continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, blending cultural diversity, emotional depth, and universal truths.
"(Outer) Space" is one of the most intricate paintings of the Series. The purpose of the painting is the expression of the interplay and connection between our man-made infrastructures and nature, more specifically the greater universe. Amidst the chaos and conflict of the now, the universe maintains its overbearing power and balance, and that is shown through the orbiting, colossal cosmos.
“Lost” illustrates the feeling of being adrift in life’s ever-changing flow, with a central river symbolizing transformation. The surrounding landscape contrasts the soothing tones of water with the dark hues of mountains, representing the obstacles that one must navigate. This visual contrast mirrors the inner turmoil and confusion that come with feeling lost, yet the river suggests movement toward self-discovery and growth.
“Insomnia” captures the restless energy of a city at night. The towering buildings, portrayed in sharp lines, bring a sense of structure, while the dominant blue hues introduce a calming yet cool atmosphere. The human figures behind the buildings, rendered in vibrant yellow and orange swirls, give the painting movement and life. Reflections in the water add depth, making this piece a dynamic portrayal of both order and chaos.
“Dancing Diva” is a vibrant acrylic painting with gold leafing. Filled with bright colors that represent the diversity and energy of the city, this painting captures the essence of Dubai and its people. The abstracted buildings in the background reflect Dubai's avant-garde and innovative nature. In the foreground, a graceful figure is depicted with open arms, merging as one with the cityscape and symbolizing the connection of the city to its residents.
“Determined” explores the themes of deception, arrogance, and self-absorption, illustrating the negative impact on those who embody them. Through this piece, Shahi aspires to remind us to stay mindful of our emotional presence as a way to increase our awareness of ourselves, so that such states do not blind our way of being. .The dominant color orange symbolizes the passion and drive that motivates human behaviour, at times to the detriment of the self. The use of bold brushstrokes expresses the powerful role of such themes in directing our lives.
"Tea Party" Unlike a typical tea party scene, conveys a complex range of emotions and experiences that each character is going through. The use of colors in the painting, deep olive green, warm reds, and yellows add to the emotional depth of the piece. The characters portrayed, each looking in a different direction and their body language suggests that they are not completely present in the moment, but rather preoccupied with their own thoughts and emotions. Despite the apparent disconnect between the characters, the scene is still rich with life and beauty. Flowers and trees are scattered throughout the painting, adding to the overall sense of organic growth and natural beauty.
“Outer Space, 2023”
“Lost, 2019”
“Insomnia, 2018”
“Dancing Diva, 2021”
“Determined, 2019”
“Tea Party, 2021”
