Sarmed Mirza - Artist Member

Originally from Pakistan and based in Scotland for over 25 years, Sarmed is a nomadic soul drawing from a tapestry of lived experiences across diverse cultures. His work explores themes of transformation, remembrance, and the hidden threads that connect our lives, seeking universal connections that transcend boundaries and challenge biases. Through graphite and charcoal portraits, Sarmed captures moments of introspection, revealing stories etched into the human face.

Created from palette remnants, his abstract pieces evoke shifting forms and impermanence, inspired by reflections on memory and change. His process spans oil, acrylic, graphite, and charcoal, with occasional high-resolution photography to emphasise textures and invite contemplation. Guided by inspirations from meditation, nature, travel, and influences from film and popular media, Sarmed's work reflects a deep resonance with diverse forms of storytelling.

A filmmaker before turning to art, his BAFTA Scotland New Talent Award nominated feature explored identity, displacement and social justice. Recently featured in GoMA and Kelvingrove Museum, his multi-disciplinary work with organisations like the Mental Health Foundation and the United Nations, involves collecting oral histories to preserve narratives of resilience. Alongside his practice, he teaches art, guiding others in discovering beauty in impermanence and the journey of self-discovery.