Zeinat Gelli
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.
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 to continue her education. 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.
Education
- 2023-2026 Master Artist Program, Compass Atelier, USA
- 2025 Gavin Glakas workshop, Portrait painting with Zorn palette, USA
- 2025 Roberto Osti, Artistic Anatomy Workshop, USA
- 2016-2019 Painting classes, Yellow Barn, USA
- 2005 Arte del Mosaico, Studio Cassio, Italy
- 2001-2002 City and Guilds Certificate in Life drawing, Cambridge Regional College School of Visual and Performing Arts, UK
- 1996-1997 MBA International Business (commendation), University of Bristol in Association with L’École nationale des ponts et chaussées, France/UK
- 1989-1993 BSc Clinical Pharmacology, King’s College London, UK
Solo Exhibitions
Group Exhibitions
- 2026 Master Artist Program Thesis Show, USA
- 2025 Montgomery Art Associate, Members Show at Strathmore Mansion, USA
- 2025 Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) online exhibition, Human Expressions
- 2025 Women’s Club of Chevy Chase Art Show, USA
- 2025 Maryland Law Review Symposium Art Law: The Artist’s Fight for Creative Control art exhibition, Francis King Carey School of Law, University of Maryland, USA
- 2024 Montgomery Art Association, Paint the Town Art Show, USA
- 2024 Women’s Club of Chevy Chase Art Show, USA
- 2023 Women’s Club of Chevy Chase Art Show, USA
- 2023 National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society Spring Online
- 2022 Rockville Art League Members Winter Show, USA
- 2019 Glen Echo Labor Day Show, USA
- 2017 Glen Echo Labor Day Show, USA
Awards
- 2025 Montgomery Art Associate, Members Show – Award of Excellence, still life
- 2025 Maryland Federation of Art, Fall Members Show – Jurors Choice
- 2025 Maryland Federation of Art, Human Expressions 2025 – Jurors Choice
- 2025 Women’s Club of Chevy Chase Art Show – Honorable Mention, smalls
- 2024 Montgomery Art Association, Paint the Town Art Show, Kensington – Honorable Mention, still life
- 2024 Women’s Club of Chevy Chase Art Show – Honorable Mention, smalls
- 2023 Women’s Club of Chevy Chase Art Show – Second Place, smalls
- 2022 Rockville Art League Juried Members Winter Show – Best in Show
Press
- 2025 bonfem, Artist Conversations: Professionals on defining yourself as an artist in the working world