Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeana Atarbashi.
Hi Zeana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for art began when I was very young. Drawing and painting were always a form of expression for me, a way to make sense of the world around me. Even as a child, I felt deeply connected to the process of creating.
Over a decade ago, I began pursuing art more seriously in Dubai—a city full of contrast, energy, and inspiration. In March 2019, I held my first solo exhibition, which felt like a bold step forward. Then, during the Covid years, like many artists, I found myself in a quiet space of reflection. I used that time to work on my own, to really develop and refine my skills, and to dive deeper into my artistic voice. That period was transformative.
By the time of my second solo exhibition in Sharjah in 2023, I felt something shift—I realized I was truly doing something meaningful. I was no longer just creating art, I was building a language of my own. In 2024, I exhibited in Riyadh, and most recently, in March 2025, I presented “Colors from Mesopotamia to Miami” in Miami, where my painting “Tribute to Miami” stood at the heart of the show.
A common thread throughout all my work is women—strong women. My art is rooted in their stories, strength, and resilience, and that comes through in the bold, vibrant colors I use. Each brushstroke is intentional and unapologetic, just like the women who inspire me.
I’ve also had the chance to participate in several group exhibitions around the world, which has allowed me to connect with diverse audiences and fellow creatives. It’s been a beautiful, evolving journey—one that continues to be shaped by passion, persistence, and purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth road—and I think that’s part of what makes the journey so meaningful. Art has always been my passion, something that’s lived inside me since I was very young. But turning that passion into a professional path, especially later in life, came with its own set of challenges.
I began pursuing my art career seriously in my mid-40s, which is not the typical “starting point” in the art world. That alone brought a lot of internal and external pressure. There were doubts—wondering if it was too late, if I could catch up, if my work would be seen or understood. But my love for art kept me going. It wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was something I needed to do.
Creating something different takes hard work and courage. I’ve always believed that if you want to offer your best to the world, you have to be deeply committed and willing to work through the hard moments. And I did. I worked relentlessly, especially during the quiet years of the pandemic, developing my skills and building a visual language that’s true to who I am.
Looking back now, I wouldn’t trade the struggles—they taught me resilience, focus, and the importance of staying connected to what you love. My passion for art never wavered, and that’s what kept me going, even when the road wasn’t smooth.
We’ve been impressed with Stavros Ascots , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Stavros Ascots is a brand I co-founded with a mission to bring timeless elegance back into everyday style—through the unmatched beauty of silk. The idea began in Dubai, inspired by a chance meeting between our founder, Zaid Mustafa, and a Greek gentleman, Dr. Stavros, who wore an ascot instead of a tie. That effortless sophistication sparked our first collection of handcrafted silk ascots.
Since then, the brand has grown into a silk-centered lifestyle label, expanding into women’s fashion and luxurious bedding, all while staying true to our core: refined, bold, and deeply personal design. One of the most exciting developments for me personally has been incorporating my art into the brand—some of my favorite paintings are now printed on silk scarves and part of our latest collection. It’s been a beautiful fusion of two passions: art and design.
What sets Stavros apart is our dedication to quality, heritage, and modern elegance. Each piece is created to feel as good as it looks—elevating the everyday through fabric, form, and feeling.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe finding a mentor starts with genuine curiosity and humility. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic, and always be open to learning from those around you. For me, mentorship has often come from unexpected places through meaningful conversations, shared projects, or even chance encounters.
Networking, similarly, has worked best when it’s organic. I try to approach it as relationship-building rather than transactional. Whether it’s attending exhibitions, studio visits, or even casual coffee meetups, I focus on connecting through shared passions. What’s helped me most is showing up authentically being clear about who I am and what drives me. That tends to resonate and opens the door to deeper, more valuable connections.
Pricing:
- Accessible Pricing Philosophy: I believe art should be available to everyone who wants to bring it into their lives.
- Fair & Transparent: I strive to keep my pricing reasonable and reflective of the value, time, and emotion poured into each piece without inflating costs.
- No Exclusivity: Art isn’t only for collectors or galleries—it’s for people, homes, and hearts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Stavrosascots.com
- Instagram: @zeana_atarbashi_art
- Facebook: Zeana Atarbashi
- Twitter: @ZAtarbashi
- Other: www.ZEANA Atarbashi.com
Image Credits
Camila Saucedo
