Shoaib Zaheer

Currents is one of the most important development platforms for visual arts in the Euregion. The group exhibition is curated by a team of young and upcoming curators, and shows work by recently graduated artists from academies in the southern Netherlands, Belgium and North Rhine-Westphalia. The event is embedded in a broader mentoring program with a central focus on training, networking and professionalisation. Four of the selected artists are invited to develop their work during a Jester residency.

Currents 11 takes place from 21 September to 3 November 2024 at Marres, House for Contemporary Culture in Maastricht.

Shoaib Zaheer is an artist from Afghanistan, driven by his personal passion and an insatiable curiosity for creative discovery. Shoaib immersed himself in a broad spectrum of artistic mediums from an innate talent and the inspiration he finds in the rich natural environment of his homeland.

Throughout his life, Shoaib made art without any formal training, guided by his connection to the world around him. He explored various traditional mediums (pencil, watercolor, oil paint, charcoal and poster paint) as well as digital animation and illustration.

A turning point in his artistic journey came with the opportunity to pursue academic art training at the KASK Conservatory in Ghent, Belgium. Here he was able to deepen his knowledge, refine his skills, and expand his artistic vocabulary. His academic journey led to a harmonious fusion of his self-taught ability and the structured approach of formal education. Thus, further layers of depth and complexity were added to his work, reflected in a mature understanding of artistic principles and a nuanced approach to creativity. Through it all, his creations continue to reflect the vibrancy of his environment and the diverse cultural tapestry of Afghanistan, in a synthesis of traditional and contemporary elements.