Shima Salehi

Who I am?

Shima Salehi (b. 1991, Esfahan, Iran) is an activist interdisciplinary visual artist based in Oulu, Finland (Member of Union of Finnish Art Associations) and founder of Shima Art Studio Company. Her work focuses on gender justice, environmental sustainability, and cultural awareness, often blending traditional influences with contemporary artistic techniques.

With a background in both traditional and modern art forms, Shima’s practice moves fluidly between hyperrealism, abstraction, and conceptual art. Her work often explores the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and the resilience of women. She seeks to challenge perceptions, provoke dialogue, and inspire meaningful change.

Awards

  • Art & Culture Oulu Grant 2026
  • We Are Culture Grant 2025
  • Art & Culture Oulu Grant 2025
  • Valistustalo Oulu Grant 2024
  • Second prize in “Face & Features 2” competition in Gallery 4 Percent 2024
  • Special Prize Winner in the 4th edition of Global Talent Art Prize, 2023
  • Honorable Mention Award in the “7th PORTRAIT” art competition, 2023
Traditional Art Portfolio Website in Black Blue Ivory Dark Experimental Style
IMG_0093

Group Exhibitions

  • Duo Exhibition in Colorado Gallery, Leipzig, Germany (2025)
  • Group Exhibition in ARS Kärsämäki, Finland (2025)
  • Group Exhibition in Villa Vipolže in Gorizia- Slovenia (2025)
  • Group Exhibition in Sakaide Museum, Japan (2025)
  • Group Exhibition in Monument to Peace, Gorizia- Slovenia (2025)
  • Group exhibition in Valve Kulttuuri in Oulu-Finland (2024)
  • Group exhibition in D-Asema in Oulu-Finland (2024)
  • Group exhibition in Gallery 4 Percent in New York-USA (2024)
  • Group exhibition in Royal blue in London-England (2024)
  • Group exhibition in Teravarna Gallery in New York-USA (2023)

Solo Exhibitions

  • Solo Exhibition in Vox Gallery in Oulu-Finland (April-2026)
  • Solo Exhibition in Oulu Literature House in Oulu-Finland (Feb-2026)
  • Solo Exhibition in Vuole Gallery in Oulu-Finland(2025)
  • Solo Exhibition in Valve Gallery in Oulu-Finland(2025)
  • Solo Exhibition in Oulu Art Museum in Oulu-Finland (2024)
  • Solo exhibition in University of Oulu-Finland (2024)
IMG_9998
5807874165040680052

Collaborations

  • Collaborationg with STEAM project in Oulu (2026)
  • Curator of exhibitions in Anti-racism project for Oulu 2026
  • Collaborating with ARTiFAB Project for Oulu 2026 (2025–2026) Designing a workshop integrating art and fabrication for the Oulu 2026 cultural program.
  • Collaborating with Ecopolis Project (2025) Designing workshop for youth on Peace through artistic.
  • Collaborating with Ecoality Project (UNESCO & EU-Funded, 2025–2026) Designing workshops for youth on anti-racism through artistic expression.

Academic Contributions

  • Conference Presentations: “Urban Art as a Mechanism for Cultural and Community Resilience in the Era of Polycrisis.” 47th Association for Interdisciplinary Studies Conference. Published in the Abstract Book. October 2025. Link: https://eventos3-202b6.kxcdn.com/uploads/498/materials/d2fc770af2c94eb2bedaa9985b62121c.pdf
Oulu International Art Festival-14-2

Panelist

  • Oulu International Art Festival 2025 : Invited as one of the panelists in a discussion on Opportunities for International Artists in Oulu, sharing experiences as a multidisciplinary artist and reflecting on how art can create dialogue and inclusion in public space