Ellie Shafiei (Iranian-American, b. 1987) is a contemporary figurative artist whose work explores the psychological and emotional dimensions of identity, memory, and transformation. She earned her Master of Fine Arts from the New York Academy of Art after studying Studio Art and Art History at the University of California, Davis, Pierce College, and several art institutions in Iran.

Working primarily in oil, Shafiei combines classical draftsmanship with contemporary figurative painting and surreal visual language. Her compositions inhabit the space between reality and the subconscious, where the human figure becomes a vessel for emotional, cultural, and personal narratives. Through symbolism, layered imagery, and expressive mark-making, she investigates themes of displacement, resilience, belonging, and the continual reconstruction of self.

Shafiei’s artistic practice is deeply informed by her experience of migration and the pursuit of freedom. Rather than illustrating autobiography, her paintings transform personal experience into universal narratives that invite reflection on vulnerability, strength, and the complexities of the human condition. Her work bridges Iranian heritage and American experience, creating emotionally charged images that resonate across cultural boundaries while celebrating endurance, hope, and transformation.

At the heart of Shafiei’s practice is a commitment to contemporary figurative painting as a language for empathy and connection. Her paintings seek not only to engage viewers aesthetically, but also to create space for dialogue about identity, empowerment, and the shared search for meaning and belonging.