About
Yasmin Hayat (b. 1990) is a British–Syrian artist whose practice bridges traditional and contemporary painting. She studied at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts London) and later specialised at the King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts, graduating with distinction in Geometry and Miniature (Manuscript) Painting. Drawing on historic Arabic manuscript traditions and integrating Western and Indo-Persian techniques, Hayat has developed a refined visual language. In 2018, she received the Kairos Prize from His Majesty King Charles III and Professor Keith Critchlow for her contribution to the preservation and renewal of traditional art forms. Her work forms part of the permanent, public collections at the Aga Khan Gallery and the Sarmaya Institute.
Central to Hayat's practice is the creation of pigments that she hand-makes from minerals, plants, and earths. These tactile and luminous colours, carefully selected for their relationship to each subject, result in a dimensional finish that transforms, moves, and reflects, echoing the stories she depicts. She sources raw materials globally and meticulously refines them, crafting a palette unique to every painting
Beyond her studio practice, Yasmin has led workshops and masterclasses at prestigious institutions worldwide, including the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, Watts Gallery, Amateo (The European Network for Cultural Activities), the British Arts Council, the National Trust, the Prince’s Foundation, and the Al Burda Festival in Abu Dhabi. She has collaborated with high-end interior design company Soane Britain and architectural firm Own London, with her work featured throughout the interior of the Michelin Bib Gourmand-recommended Imad’s Syrian Kitchen.
Awards
2018 Kairos Award
2016 Al Bukhary Scholarship.
Solo Exhibitions
2023 Yasmin Hayat: Timeless Vision, Jonathan Cooper Gallery, London.
Permanent, Public Art Collections
Aga Khan Gallery, London.
Sarmaya Arts Foundation.
Select Group Exhibitions
2026 The Winter Fair, New York, US.
2025 Mumbai Art Fair, India.
2024 Musawwari: Miniatures Today, Ojas Art, New Delhi
2023 Start Art Fair, Saatchi Gallery, London
2023 Jonathan Cooper: 35 Years, Jonathan Cooper Gallery, London.
2022 The Miniature Show, Jonathan Cooper Gallery, London.
2022 Egyptomania, Soane Britain, London.
2021 Paradise Gardens, Aga Khan Gallery, London.
2019 Yasmin Hayat, Watts Gallery, Guilford.
2019 Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours, Mall Galleries, London.
Select Publications & Press.
2024 ''Elements'' by Stephen Ellcock, Thames & Hudson
2024 ''New Delhi to witness an exhibition on Musawwari artwork'', India Times, India.
2022 ''Living with Art'', Veranda Magazine, Issue 5, Volume 36, USA.
2022 ''Creatives at Home'', Home & Gardens Magazine, UK.
2021 ''British-Syrian Artist Yasmin Hayat’s Meaningful Miniatures''. Arab News
2020 ''Does the Arab World (Still) Exist?'' Arab World Institute, Paris.
2019 In Her Courtyard: Reflections on Structures of Impermanence, Talin Hazbar, Abu Dhabi.
Appearances, Collaborations, Clients, Workshops & Partnerships.
UCL, London
William Morris Gallery, London.
Soane Britain, London.
Own London
The British Arts Council
The National Trust
The Aga Khan Gallery, London.
The Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
The British Museum, London.
Imads Syrian Kitchen
Al Burda Festival – The Barakat Trust, UAE.
The Princes Foundation School of Traditional Arts, London.
Amateo Network, Belgium.
The Watts Gallery, Guildford.