shamira nicolas
shamira nicolas
Rochester, NY, United States
About shamira nicolas
About me
My name is Shamira Derakhshani Nicolas. I was born in Tehran, Iran. I spent the first sixteen years of my life in Tehran. A number of scholarships provided me with a high school diploma from USA, followed by a bachelor ad a master's degree from the American University of Beirut. From 1972 to 1977, I attended the Cleveland Institute of Art.
The strongest influence in my work remains from my early life in Iran: I was exposed to the most beautiful visuals and a culture that strove for spirituality in all facets of life. That spirituality culminated in my Sufi grandmother who graced this earth with her existence.
As a child, my strongest tool for learning was my eyes. I loved looking at shapes and colors. A wealth o pure forms and colors existed in the magnificent Persian carpets. The simplicity, purity, abstraction and immense variety of forms and colors in the carpets representing different regions of Iran etched a permanent mark in my mind. I loved looking at the Persian miniatures. Beautiful and simple forms in breath taking colors, tug at my heart, even to this day. Finally two colors, two blues, the turquoise color of the domes of many mosques next to the magnificent ultramarine blue of the evening sky in Tehran were extremely calming and beautiful. I remember looking at the two blues juxtaposed and feel a serenity I had never known before and since. The two blues are almost always in my work, whether the work is sad or happy.
My name is Shamira Derakhshani Nicolas. I was born in Tehran, Iran. I spent the first sixteen years of my life in Tehran. A number of scholarships provided me with a high school diploma from USA, followed by a bachelor ad a master's degree from the American University of Beirut. From 1972 to 1977, I attended the Cleveland Institute of Art.
The strongest influence in my work remains from my early life in Iran: I was exposed to the most beautiful visuals and a culture that strove for spirituality in all facets of life. That spirituality culminated in my Sufi grandmother who graced this earth with her existence.
As a child, my strongest tool for learning was my eyes. I loved looking at shapes and colors. A wealth o pure forms and colors existed in the magnificent Persian carpets. The simplicity, purity, abstraction and immense variety of forms and colors in the carpets representing different regions of Iran etched a permanent mark in my mind. I loved looking at the Persian miniatures. Beautiful and simple forms in breath taking colors, tug at my heart, even to this day. Finally two colors, two blues, the turquoise color of the domes of many mosques next to the magnificent ultramarine blue of the evening sky in Tehran were extremely calming and beautiful. I remember looking at the two blues juxtaposed and feel a serenity I had never known before and since. The two blues are almost always in my work, whether the work is sad or happy.
Education
Cleveland Institute of Art 1972-77.
American University of Beirut: Masters degree in Art. 1972.
American University of Beirut: Masters degree in Art. 1972.
Events
On August 20, I will be giving an educational talk about one of my pieces, "961" for the benefit of the deaf community of Rochester, NY. It will be held at the NTID, Dyer Art Center, at RIT.
The Cooperstown art Association’s 81st Annual National Juried Exhibition. July 15- August 19, 2016. “1961” was selection.
Dyer Art Center, RIT. Rochester, New York. Arena Art Group. June 17- August 20, 2016. Five works were exhibited.
The Geisel Gallery, one Bausch and Lomb Place. Rochester, NY. Using numbers to make Art. A solo Show. February 1 - February 28, 2016. 30 works were exhibited.
Patricia O'Keefe Ross Gallery, St. John Fisher College. Rochester, NY. The Arena Group Collaborates. January 19 - February 26, 2016. Two artworks were exhibited.
Rochester Brainery, Rochester, NY. Rochester Brainery's New Works Show 2016. January 4 - March 5, 2016. Two works were exhibited.
Featured in Saatchi Art's special "Best of 2015". Selected by Rebecca Wilson, Chief Curator and VP, Art Advisory, Saatchi Art.
"1961" code 461, will be exhibited at Gallery384 Rochester, NY, for the Arts & Cultural Council's Juried Member Showcase. December 4, 2015- January 25, 2016.
Three paintings, " Revival ", " 4 " and "۸۷۹۰ " will be exhibited at the " Arena New Members Show". October 27-Decembet 14- 2015. Link Gallery, City Hall, Rochester, New York.
LuminArte Gallery, Dallas, Texas. Islamic Art Revival Series. 4th Annual Juried International Exhibition of Contemporary Islamic Art. Salma Tuqan, juried the show. September 26, 2015- October 31, 2015. Two works were selected for this show.
Multi Use Community Cultural Center. Rochester, New York. Arena on the Fringe, group exhibition. September 1, 2015- September 27, 2015.
Memorial Art Gallery. Rochester, New York. 65th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition, July 26-September 13, 2015. A Juried Art show. “434” is the title of the work selected for the show.
Schweinfurth Art Center. Auburn, New York. Made in New York 2015, March 28-June 7, 2015. Juried Art show. “1961”is the title of the work selected for the show.
The Cooperstown art Association’s 81st Annual National Juried Exhibition. July 15- August 19, 2016. “1961” was selection.
Dyer Art Center, RIT. Rochester, New York. Arena Art Group. June 17- August 20, 2016. Five works were exhibited.
The Geisel Gallery, one Bausch and Lomb Place. Rochester, NY. Using numbers to make Art. A solo Show. February 1 - February 28, 2016. 30 works were exhibited.
Patricia O'Keefe Ross Gallery, St. John Fisher College. Rochester, NY. The Arena Group Collaborates. January 19 - February 26, 2016. Two artworks were exhibited.
Rochester Brainery, Rochester, NY. Rochester Brainery's New Works Show 2016. January 4 - March 5, 2016. Two works were exhibited.
Featured in Saatchi Art's special "Best of 2015". Selected by Rebecca Wilson, Chief Curator and VP, Art Advisory, Saatchi Art.
"1961" code 461, will be exhibited at Gallery384 Rochester, NY, for the Arts & Cultural Council's Juried Member Showcase. December 4, 2015- January 25, 2016.
Three paintings, " Revival ", " 4 " and "۸۷۹۰ " will be exhibited at the " Arena New Members Show". October 27-Decembet 14- 2015. Link Gallery, City Hall, Rochester, New York.
LuminArte Gallery, Dallas, Texas. Islamic Art Revival Series. 4th Annual Juried International Exhibition of Contemporary Islamic Art. Salma Tuqan, juried the show. September 26, 2015- October 31, 2015. Two works were selected for this show.
Multi Use Community Cultural Center. Rochester, New York. Arena on the Fringe, group exhibition. September 1, 2015- September 27, 2015.
Memorial Art Gallery. Rochester, New York. 65th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition, July 26-September 13, 2015. A Juried Art show. “434” is the title of the work selected for the show.
Schweinfurth Art Center. Auburn, New York. Made in New York 2015, March 28-June 7, 2015. Juried Art show. “1961”is the title of the work selected for the show.
Exhibitions
List of exhibitions:
“The Light of Universe,” and “Secret to our Universe”, have been on line since 1998. www.shamiranicolas.com
The Cooperstown art Association’s 81st Annual National Juried Exhibition. July 15- August 19, 2016.
"1961" was selected.
Dyer Art Center, RIT. Rochester, New York. Arena Art Group. June 17- August 20, 2016. Five works were exhibited.
The Geisel Gallery. Rochester, New York. Using numbers to Make Art. Solo show. February 1 – February 28, 2016.
Patricia O’Keefe Ross Gallery. St. John Fisher College. Rochester, New York. The Arena Group Collaborates. January 19 –February 26, 2016. Two works were exhibited.
Rochester Brainery. Rochester, New York. Rochester Brainery’s New Works Show 2016. January 4- March 5, 2016. Two works were exhibited.
Featured in Saatchi Art’s Special, “Best of 2015”. Selected by Rebecca Wilson. Chief Curator & VP, Art Advisory, Saatchi Art.
Gallery 384. Rochester, New York. Arts & Cultural Council’s Juried Member Showcase. December 4, 2015 – January 25, 2016. One work was exhibited.
Link Gallery, City Hall. Rochester, New York. Arena New Member Show. October 27 – December 14, 2015. Three works were exhibited.
LuminArte Gallery, Dallas, Texas. Islamic Art Revival Series. 4th Annual Juried International Exhibition of Contemporary Islamic Art. Salma Tuqan, juried the show. September 26, 2015- October 31, 2015. Two works were selected for this show.
Multi Use Community Cultural Center. Rochester, New York. Arena on the Fringe, group exhibition. September 1, 2015- September 27, 2015.
Memorial Art Gallery. Rochester, New York. 65th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition, July 26-September 13, 2015. A Juried Art show. “434” is the title of the work selected for the show.
Schweinfurth Art Center. Auburn, New York. Made in New York 2015, March 28-June 7, 2015. Juried Art show. “1961”is the title of the work selected for the show.
Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. “Four Artists”,
award recipients of member show case, 2013. January 8-29. 2014.
Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. 2013 Juried member show. August 2-29, 2013. I received “Award of Excellence” for my two entries.
Alumni Art Exhibit. Group show. American University of Beirut. Beirut, Lebanon. February 2013.
I received a formal invitation to participate in the Florence Biennale, December 2011. Unfortunately, I had to decline it.
Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. 2011 Juried member show. July 7- September 2, 2011.
76th Annual National Juried Exhibition. Cooperstown, N.Y.
July 15-August 19, 2011.
“Color, Geometry and abstraction”. Group show. Pagus Gallery. Norristown, PA. June1-July31, 2011.
Rochester Art Council, Solo Exhibit, “The Light of Universe”.
October 12-November 5, 2010. Rochester, NY.
Received honorable citation for artistic achievements, “The Light of Universe”, from State Senator Joseph Robach, October 2010.
17th Annual Brighton Art Festival. Group show. October 2010.
Rochester, NY.
Andrews Art Museum, Andrews North Carolina. As the featured artist of the month, Four of my paintings were selected and exhibited in their fall show, September 4-October4, 2010.
75th Annual National Juried Exhibition at the Cooperstown, N.Y. July 16-August 20, 2010. Won the Dorothy Bostwick Campbell prize, for whom the year’s exhibition was dedicated to, two of my entries.
Unity Health Foundation. Spring Gala Invitational. Rochester, NY. May 2010. By invitation.
16th annual Town of Brighton Art show. Group show, October 2009.
Unity Health Foundation. An invitational show. Rochester, NY,
April 2009.
Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. Three person show. By invitation. March 2009.
15th annual Town of Brighton Art show. Group show. October 2008. Received honorable citation for artistic accomplishments from Senator Joseph Robach.
“The Light of Universe,” and “Secret to our Universe”, have been on line since 1998. www.shamiranicolas.com
The Cooperstown art Association’s 81st Annual National Juried Exhibition. July 15- August 19, 2016.
"1961" was selected.
Dyer Art Center, RIT. Rochester, New York. Arena Art Group. June 17- August 20, 2016. Five works were exhibited.
The Geisel Gallery. Rochester, New York. Using numbers to Make Art. Solo show. February 1 – February 28, 2016.
Patricia O’Keefe Ross Gallery. St. John Fisher College. Rochester, New York. The Arena Group Collaborates. January 19 –February 26, 2016. Two works were exhibited.
Rochester Brainery. Rochester, New York. Rochester Brainery’s New Works Show 2016. January 4- March 5, 2016. Two works were exhibited.
Featured in Saatchi Art’s Special, “Best of 2015”. Selected by Rebecca Wilson. Chief Curator & VP, Art Advisory, Saatchi Art.
Gallery 384. Rochester, New York. Arts & Cultural Council’s Juried Member Showcase. December 4, 2015 – January 25, 2016. One work was exhibited.
Link Gallery, City Hall. Rochester, New York. Arena New Member Show. October 27 – December 14, 2015. Three works were exhibited.
LuminArte Gallery, Dallas, Texas. Islamic Art Revival Series. 4th Annual Juried International Exhibition of Contemporary Islamic Art. Salma Tuqan, juried the show. September 26, 2015- October 31, 2015. Two works were selected for this show.
Multi Use Community Cultural Center. Rochester, New York. Arena on the Fringe, group exhibition. September 1, 2015- September 27, 2015.
Memorial Art Gallery. Rochester, New York. 65th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition, July 26-September 13, 2015. A Juried Art show. “434” is the title of the work selected for the show.
Schweinfurth Art Center. Auburn, New York. Made in New York 2015, March 28-June 7, 2015. Juried Art show. “1961”is the title of the work selected for the show.
Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. “Four Artists”,
award recipients of member show case, 2013. January 8-29. 2014.
Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. 2013 Juried member show. August 2-29, 2013. I received “Award of Excellence” for my two entries.
Alumni Art Exhibit. Group show. American University of Beirut. Beirut, Lebanon. February 2013.
I received a formal invitation to participate in the Florence Biennale, December 2011. Unfortunately, I had to decline it.
Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. 2011 Juried member show. July 7- September 2, 2011.
76th Annual National Juried Exhibition. Cooperstown, N.Y.
July 15-August 19, 2011.
“Color, Geometry and abstraction”. Group show. Pagus Gallery. Norristown, PA. June1-July31, 2011.
Rochester Art Council, Solo Exhibit, “The Light of Universe”.
October 12-November 5, 2010. Rochester, NY.
Received honorable citation for artistic achievements, “The Light of Universe”, from State Senator Joseph Robach, October 2010.
17th Annual Brighton Art Festival. Group show. October 2010.
Rochester, NY.
Andrews Art Museum, Andrews North Carolina. As the featured artist of the month, Four of my paintings were selected and exhibited in their fall show, September 4-October4, 2010.
75th Annual National Juried Exhibition at the Cooperstown, N.Y. July 16-August 20, 2010. Won the Dorothy Bostwick Campbell prize, for whom the year’s exhibition was dedicated to, two of my entries.
Unity Health Foundation. Spring Gala Invitational. Rochester, NY. May 2010. By invitation.
16th annual Town of Brighton Art show. Group show, October 2009.
Unity Health Foundation. An invitational show. Rochester, NY,
April 2009.
Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. Three person show. By invitation. March 2009.
15th annual Town of Brighton Art show. Group show. October 2008. Received honorable citation for artistic accomplishments from Senator Joseph Robach.
