Roja Shams is a contemporary artist of Swedish and Persian descent, creating vibrant and emotionally charged paintings that explore the fluidity of existence and the depths of the inner world. Characterized by dynamic brushstrokes, rich colour palettes, and layered textures, her paintings move between abstract expression and imaginative figuration, often hinting at organic forms and unseen energies. Underlying themes examine the fragility of life and the consciousness within and around all living things, offering a quiet reminder of our interconnectedness.

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Shams’s artistic journey, shaped by explorations of yoga, animism, and the subtle realms of perception, invites viewers into spaces where emotion transcends language and where connections between self, nature, and the universe become more apparent. Her process is guided by presence, a surrender to the moment where consciousness meets colour, allowing each painting to unfold intuitively through movement, breath, and the quiet rhythms that arise when the thinking mind softens.

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Seasons of yogic study in the Indian Himalayas, encounters with indigenous wisdom, and years living in Bali, where nature and spirit felt inseparable, have deeply influenced her path. Inspiration also arises from plant-based healing traditions and consciousness-expanding practices, teachings on perception, inner landscapes, and emotional truth that continue to shape the depth of her work.

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Influenced by artists such as Helen Frankenthaler, Willem de Kooning, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Joan Mitchell, Shams embraces spontaneous mark-making and the transformative power of abstraction. This approach, combined with personal evolution, allows for an instinctive response to the present moment and a direct expression of the inner world.

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Through her art she creates contemplative spaces where stillness, emotion, and the unseen coexist. In honour of her respect for nature, a portion of her sales supports environmental organizations, reflecting a commitment to ecological preservation and the wellbeing of all beings.