"LUDIUS" Painting

Inspired by the emotional depth of classical music and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow found in the Dutch Golden Age, Zhana Viel creates atmospheric portraits that exist between surrealism and minimalism. Entirely self-taught, her artistic journey began in nature and evolved through early explorations in photography and design under the guidance of American photographer Giovanni, whose mentorship encouraged her independent and intuitive approach to art-making.

Working primarily from her London studio during the quiet hours of the evening, Viel approaches painting as a dialogue between conscious and unconscious thought. Her portraits are defined by restrained colour palettes, dark pastel tones, and soft, cloud-like highlights that draw attention to the emotional presence of the subject. Faces and hands become central points of expression, while clothing and surroundings dissolve into understated, minimal spaces.

Deeply influenced by Rembrandt and his mastery of chiaroscuro, Viel seeks to create works that feel timeless, introspective, and psychologically charged. Classical symphonies often accompany her creative process, shaping the rhythm and emotional atmosphere of her paintings. She is fascinated by the intensity and vulnerability visible in musicians during performance — moments that continue to inspire the emotional undercurrents within her work.

Viel’s artworks have been featured in private collections across Europe, the United States, and Australia, and have appeared on book covers, CD albums, and visuals for the Vernon Proms Classical Music Festival. Though primarily focused on painting, she remains drawn to sculpture and dreams of one day working in bronze. Guided by curiosity and creative freedom, Viel embraces imperfection and ambiguity, often leaving her works intentionally unresolved — inviting viewers to complete the emotional narrative themselves.