Zari Kazandjian is a contemporary figurative painter whose work explores the enduring relationships we form with animals.

Working primarily in oil, Zari is drawn to the quiet presence and individuality of her subjects, particularly horses and dogs. Her paintings are rooted in careful observation and a deep appreciation for the traditions of representational painting, while maintaining a contemporary sensibility.

Alongside her studio practice, Zari is an art educator and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Art Education at Concordia University. She teaches painting workshops and classes, drawing directly from her experience as a practicing artist and educator. Her approach focuses on observation, colour, value, composition, and the process of developing a painting from an initial idea to a finished work.

Her studio practice remains at the heart of her work, with teaching offering an opportunity to share the knowledge, techniques, and experience developed through that practice.