Her Early Life
Born in 1964, Katy Kianush is an accomplished artist from Iran whose work bridges cultures and continents. She began her artistic journey at just 10 years old, creating illustrations for children’s poetry books in Iran, where her talent first gained recognition. In 1976, her family relocated to London following her parents’ early retirement.
Katy’s work quickly drew attention, and at the age of 15, she received a commendation from the Mayor of Ealing for her paintings displayed at the Arts, Crafts, and Photographic exhibition in London, an event attended by the Duchess of Kent. Her artistic practice spans a diverse range of media, including pen and ink, pencil/conte, watercolours, and acrylics. She is known for exploring a wide array of themes, such as Persian, Japanese, and Chinese painting traditions, Miniatures, Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, Symbolic art, Ballet, and book illustration. Her works are characterized by their intricate details and precise execution, reflecting her deep commitment to her craft.
Katy’s illustrations have been featured in significant publications, such as the cover of Shadab Vajdi’s poetry book “Closed Circuit” (Forest Books, UK). Her painting “Firefly and the Moon” is also showcased in the book “As Long as the Moon Shall Rise” (Holy Cow! Press, US), further cementing her reputation as a versatile and skilled artist.
NAPA and later life
As a member of the Executive Council of the National Acrylic Painters Association (NAPA), Katy Kianush has made notable contributions to the art world. In 1999, she directed and coordinated NAPA’s inaugural London exhibition at the Westminster Gallery, demonstrating her commitment to promoting acrylic painting. Katy has also presented her work in solo exhibitions at respected venues like the Wyvern Theatre and Arts Centre in Swindon, where her paintings were met with acclaim. Her Persian and Japanese miniatures were featured in a series of solo exhibitions at the BBC World Service in the 1980s, highlighting her versatility and mastery of different artistic traditions.
Katy has earned several prestigious awards, including the Royal Sovereign (Rembrandt) Award at the NAPA Open Exhibition in 1998, the Daler-Rowney International Award at the NAPA Open Exhibition in 1999, and the Artists and Illustrators Award at the NAPA Exhibition in 2002 for her expertise in Japanese symbolism paintings.
Following a car accident in 2004 and the subsequent surgeries that prevented her from painting for years, Katy turned to poetry, finding solace in nature as her inspiration. For nearly two decades, she has embraced holistic healing through yoga and meditation, both of which have been instrumental in her recovery. Today, she enjoys a peaceful life in the countryside with her husband Jim Wallace, while still nurturing her creative passions.
Katy’s body of work is marked by a blend of cultural influences, artistic skill, and a commitment to finding beauty in diverse forms.
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