The Stream (2014) Painting by Mirza Vanessa-Maria

Vanessa Maria Mirza is a visual artist/choreographer of Anglo-Indian heritage born and raised in Kolkata, India. Her work reflects a vision of intangible realities captured as abstract impressions. Her paintings have rich tones and colours with a compositional design defined by bold contrasts, textural effects and a natural flow of shape, line and pattern. Vanessa uses art as an expression of inner thinking, a release of states of tranquility, chaos, freedom and musing as seen in the unrestrained aesthetic of her creations.

Vanessa began exploring the medium of oil and acrylics while studying in Taipei (Taiwan) in the Master of Fine Arts, Choreography program at the Taipei National University of the Arts (2008-2010 & 2011-2013). Her interactions with young international artists particularly from the Czech Republic, USA and South Africa fuelled her interest in experimenting with the medium of painting alongside her dance practice. While living and travelling through South-East Asia her works have been influenced by the aesthetics of Chinese painting and calligraphy, local culture, architecture, language and lifestyle of people.

Vanessa’s interdisciplinary arts interest, resulted in a dance production ‘Dream Realms’, inspired by seven of her original paintings performed in Taipei, Taiwan (April 2013). A solo exhibition of her works titled ‘Reflections’ was showcased at The Promenade Lounge, Taj Bengal Hotel Kolkata in June 2014. She was also nominated as an artist for the international art fair, ArtRooms 2015, in London (UK). She has also been invited to exhibit her works in Koenders Galerie in The Hague (Netherlands) and Le Dame Art Gallery (UK). Since November 2014, she co-directs a young artists initiative held at Assembly of God Church (Park Street), Kolkata, to encourage creative exploration in painting, with a group exhibition in the Artist’s Circle (June 2015). Vanessa is also a registered visual artist with Saatchi Art Gallery (UK/USA) and has sold her paintings internationally.

Vanessa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Marketing) from St. Xavier’s College (Kolkata, India) (2002-2005). Currently located in India she is involved in teaching/choreographic assignments at Rhythmosaic Dance Company, Modern High School & The Doodle Room. She is also an arts consultant with Chaitown Creatives a platform for young artists in Kolkata since November 2015. She is also the Director for the Dance Bridges Festival, a newly founded international dance festival in the city, with its first edition in August 2015.

• Nationality: INDIA
• Date of birth : 1984
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Indian Artists