Shiva Ahmadi (Iranian, b. 1975)

What intrigues Shiva Ahmadi most about the seemingly-delicate art of classical Persian miniature painting are the recurrent scenes of bloody battles- extreme violence depicted with exquisite refinement. Painted in jewel-like colours, her paintings follow closely the spirit of such works, which she exaggerates and distorts. Her Oil Barrel express these contradictions between violence, wealth and culture.