Zeinat Gelli
My work centers around figurative and still life paintings that explore themes of cultural heritage and the human spirit. Taking inspiration from African artists such as Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye and Seydo Keïta, I frequently include wax print textiles such as ankara and àdìrẹ as elements of imagery, not only to represent the vibrancy of African culture but also to reclaim their role in storytelling and in connecting people with African history.
I work primarily with oil paint on canvas, drawing inspiration from the techniques of the Old Masters of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, particularly their use of ‘chiaroscuro’—the dramatic contrast between light and shadow. My interest lies not in achieving photo-realism but in evoking emotions and narratives that foster an intimate connection with the viewer. Ultimately, my work is a celebration of the beauty, depth and sensibility of black culture—an exploration of both personal and universal narratives.
I get tired of a lot of things, but I never get tired of being black.
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 for boarding school. 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. Her scientific background deeply informs her work, influencing her curiosity to observe, investigate and capture intricate details in her paintings.
A dual British Nigerian national, Zeinat embraces multi-culturalism and global citizenship. Having lived in several countries, including extended periods in Italy and the US, her diverse experiences continue to evolve her work. She is currently based in Maryland, where she resides with her husband, Aulo, their three children, and their dog.
Education
- 2023-2025 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
- 2025 Maryland Federation of Art (MFA) online exhibition, Human Expressions
- 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
- 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