Shivani Virani, Artistree
As an artist and passionate promoter of art education, Shivani Virani has spent over two decades working as an art dealer, consultant, and curator—committed to nurturing creative talent and making art more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring.
She founded Artistree in 2003 – a global art platform started in India with flagship gallery in Dubai and a growing presence across the UAE, Europe, and the UK. At the core of Artistree is the belief that art is for everyone—regardless of background, geography, or status.
“I’ve had the privilege of sourcing and showcasing works from across the globe, ensuring that every artist has a fair chance to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Our flagship gallery in Dubai stands as a vibrant hub for creativity and culture. It is more than just a gallery—it is a space where ideas are exchanged, voices are amplified, and contemporary works come to life. We collaborate with artists at all stages of their careers, from emerging names to legendary figures, building bridges between cultures, disciplines, and audiences,” says Shivani.
By creating platforms for learning and dialogue, we aim to not only support artists but also build an informed and engaged audience for the arts —Shivani Virani
A core pillar of Artistree’s mission is art education and awareness. Its free, inclusive community initiative – The Artistree Collective, offers workshops, talks, mentoring programs, and collaborative events that foster creativity and growth.
“By creating platforms for learning and dialogue, we aim to not only support artists but also build an informed and engaged audience for the arts. We work closely with schools, NGOs, and grassroots organisations to bring art into lives where it’s often overlooked. From sponsoring artists in need to using exhibitions to support social causes, philanthropy and community impact is woven into everything we do,” adds the art curator and enthusiast.
This year at World Art Dubai, Shivani proudly presented a truly global showcase featuring artists from Spain, Hungary, the USA, India, Iran, Amsterdam, South Africa, and Ghana. From celebrated names like M.F. Husain to emerging visionaries like Tisha Virani, the exhibition reflected her commitment to creative diversity.
Alongside traditional mediums like bronze and oil, Artistree highlighted unconventional forms such as photography, serigraphs, linocuts, and embroidered art—offering a multi-sensory experience for every visual palate that reflects the evolving language of global art.
Shivani believes that art connects, educates, and moves us; and through Artistree she is proud to keep that connection growing—one artist, one vision, and one audience at a time.
Based in Cape Town South Africa, Marco Olivier creates from his private foundry, where he enjoys the freedom to manage every part of the artistic process from home. While his work predominantly explores the intricacies of human anatomy, Marco often ventures into abstract forms and creative experimentation—driven by whatever ignites his artistic spirit in the moment.
Marco describes his greatest inspiration as God and family – “the very reason I do what I do.” Deeply moved by nature’s shapes and textures, he brings those organic influences into his sculptures. This connection to nature, combined with the shared appreciation of his clients, is what makes his signature textured works so distinct and celebrated.
Originally an aircraft engineer, Marco never envisioned a career in the arts. Life, however, had other plans. He reflects on the many challenges—repairing machinery, sleeping on factory floors, navigating hardship—but also credits those experiences, and his business acumen, for his eventual success in the art world.
Giving back is central to Marco’s journey. Whether it’s empowering others through skill development or advocating for environmental causes, he believes these are the things that truly matter. His passion for connecting with people continues to be a powerful force behind his work and purpose.
Tisha Virani is an artist and animator originally from India, and currently based in the UAE. She has gained experience across various cultures, including her role as a resident artist at a gallery in Los Angeles’ art district. Her work spans mediums—from a strong background in digital illustration to an affinity for sculptural work. Her pieces feature stylized figures, environments, and portraits, pulling heavily from her background in animation, with the incorporation of broad strokes, exaggerated shapes, and even the occasional fantastical or surreal element.
Tisha’s style draws inspiration from the cartoon-like aesthetics of the 1960s and ’70s, such as the works of Chuck Jones and Max Fleischer. This influence allows her to use her art not just as a conveyor of ideas and metaphors, but as a storytelling medium in itself.
The idea behind her work is to evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort in the viewer. The goal of her style is leaning into the whimsy and playfulness of the aesthetic while adapting it to fit her maturing sensibilities and ideas.
Preeti and Prashant Chacko are Indian photo artists based in Dubai. Together, they go by the handle ‘Composing the Wild’. The duos work celebrates nature through the beauty of wild animals, photographed in timeless black and white. They favour monochrome for its ability to distil emotion and to create a vision of a time past but hopefully never lost.
Their preferred medium is fine art photography, printed on archival, optical-brightener-free paper to ensure enduring quality across generations for which they recently won the ‘Best Photographer Award’ at World Art Dubai 2025. What truly inspires them is not just the visual drama of the wild, but the emotion it stirs. Over years of photography, the images they cherish most are those that express beauty and emotion.
Two intentions in particular guide their work – First, the devotion to spark love rather than fear of wild creatures, stemming from the thought that too many images of wildlife show them as scary and ferocious beasts; an imagery that is unfavourable for a desire to protect them. Second, a commitment to giving back to the ecosystems and communities that make their work possible. The couple through their lens, want to portray the grace of the wild and invite viewers to see these beings not as beasts, but as wonders worthy of awe, empathy, and protection.
California-based mixed media artist Cosette Grider is making waves with her bold, retro-modern aesthetic and deeply introspective themes. Working from her backyard studio, she blends mid-century modern and Art Nouveau styles, using vibrant colors, striking female figures, and layered textures to create compelling works.
Her signature technique enhances acrylics with charcoal, oil pastels, and gold leaf foil, adding depth and movement to her portraits. At the heart of her work is a desire to spark conversations about personal growth, wellness, and the evolving role of women. Her pieces explore themes of joy, freedom, and self-acceptance—reminding viewers that embracing life’s imperfections is a form of strength.
Since transitioning to a full-time art career during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cosette has exhibited in major galleries and fairs worldwide, including World Art Dubai 2025. With a growing audience, she continues to inspire through her work, urging women to celebrate their individuality and embrace the beauty of simply being.
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