There is a real sense of warmth and joy that washes over my mind whenever I lay my eyes upon a painting by Amirata Winter. He captures all the elegance of classical realism and infuses it with a dreamy dose of optimism. He weaves together modern fables of man living alongside the natural world in blessed harmony. Big cats, alongside with various other animals, accompany young, angelic men as they bask in the Italian sun, swim in the refreshing ocean waters and feast on bountiful harvests that never seem to rot. His paintings speak to the human soul on a primordial level offering us a beauty that never fades.
Amirata Winter is a fine artist who describes his work as “where realism meets dreams”. Born in in Tehran, Iran and raised in Italy, Amirata has always had a passion for art which was only encouraged by the beauty that surrounded him in Italy. His passion for art would only continue to grow as he refined his skills while studying Art and Design at Columbus College of Art and Design alongside completing an Art History major at the University of Perugia, Italy. His current body of work has a prominent classical art aesthetic which fuses culture and nature together to create works that “speak the universal language of the soul’s timeless beauty”. Currently Amirata resides in Switzerland where he continues pushing the boundaries of his artistic capabilities alongside teaching design at Nuovo Istituto Design where he shares much of his knowledge with budding young artists and designers.
My art is rooted in the idea that beauty can be a form of solace, even in challenging times.
Interview with Amirata Winter
Can you tell us about your artistic journey up to this point and how you have evolved as an artist over the years?
My artistic journey has been deeply tied to the places I’ve lived and the experiences I’ve had along the way. As a child, I was fascinated by drawing and the expressive power of images, but it wasn’t until my teenage years that I truly started to understand art as a language of its own. Over the years, my work has evolved from purely observational studies to something more layered and emotional. Initially, I was focused on technical mastery, trying to capture life as it is. Now, I strive to balance realism with an imaginative and dreamlike quality, aiming to evoke emotion and invite the viewer to step into a narrative.
I understand that you are pretty well-travelled, born in Iran, growing up in Italy, studying in the US and now currently living in Switzerland. How have your travels influenced your work and the way you see the world as an artist?
Traveling and living in different cultures have profoundly shaped the way I see and interpret the world. Each place has taught me something unique—Iran gave me an appreciation for intricate patterns and rich storytelling, Italy instilled in me a deep love for beauty and tradition, the US expanded my creative horizons, and Switzerland has brought a sense of balance and clarity to my life. Being immersed in so many perspectives has made me more curious and open-minded, and that openness is reflected in my work. I try to capture universal emotions while drawing on the unique beauty of specific places and cultures.
Growing up in Italy, were you inspired by the painters from the Italian Renaissance or did inspiration come from elsewhere?
The Italian Renaissance was absolutely a source of inspiration. Growing up surrounded by the legacy of artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci was inescapable. Their mastery of anatomy, light, and storytelling taught me the power of detail and precision. That said, I was equally inspired by contemporary art and more modern approaches to creativity. I think my work balances the classical influence of the Renaissance with a more modern, expressive approach.
What/who has been inspiring you lately? Any new artist discoveries that you can share with us?
Recently, I’ve been inspired by the work of artists who explore the intersection of realism and surrealism, like Kehinde Wiley and Hayv Kahraman. Their ability to blend cultural narratives with bold, modern aesthetics resonates with me deeply. Nature continues to be a huge inspiration, especially as I spend more time outdoors and reflect on its fragility and beauty. I’ve also been rediscovering the works of wildlife photographers and documentary filmmakers, whose ability to capture fleeting moments of life in the wild amazes me.
Animals and nature are key parts of your work, have you always felt a strong connection to the natural world?
Absolutely. Nature has always been a source of peace and inspiration for me. I think there’s something incredibly grounding about observing wildlife or even just spending time in the mountains or by the sea. Animals, in particular, have a purity and authenticity that I find captivating. They have no pretense, and their survival stories often parallel human struggles in ways that are humbling. My work is a celebration of that connection and an exploration of how intertwined our fates truly are.
Big cats are a running theme throughout many of your paintings, do big cats hold a particular message or meaning within your work?
Big cats symbolize strength, grace, and mystery to me. They are powerful, yet often elusive, embodying a kind of quiet resilience that I admire. They also have a dreamlike quality—the way they move and the environments they inhabit feel almost mythical. In my work, they often serve as guides or protectors, inviting the viewer into a space that feels both grounded in reality and infused with a sense of wonder.
You describe your work at “where realism meets dreams”. Do your dreams inspire what you paint?
In a way, yes. I wouldn’t say I paint directly from my dreams, but my imagination plays a huge role in shaping my work. I often think of my paintings as visual poems—pieces that blend what’s real with what’s felt or imagined. Dreams, in the metaphorical sense, allow us to explore possibilities beyond the confines of our everyday lives, and I try to bring that same sense of boundlessness into my art.
Whenever I look at your work I always feel a sense of warmth and hope wash over me. What do you make of that interpretation?
That means so much to me because it’s exactly the kind of response I hope to evoke. My art is rooted in the idea that beauty can be a form of solace, even in challenging times. By combining the real and the dreamlike, I aim to create a space where viewers can find a sense of peace, connection, and perhaps even optimism.
What has been a pivotal moment in your career thus far?
One pivotal moment was when I participated in my first international art fair. Seeing my work displayed alongside so many talented artists and connecting with viewers from around the world gave me the confidence to pursue my vision on a larger scale. Another defining moment was sending my debut painting to a gallery in the United States—it marked a new chapter in my career and opened the door to new opportunities.
Moving forward into the New Year, what upcoming projects can we expect to see from you?
I’m excited to be working on a series that dives deeper into the themes of coexistence and connection between humans and nature. I’m also planning to expand my teaching and workshop offerings, as sharing my knowledge and passion with others has become an important part of my practice. Additionally, I’ll be participating in some international exhibitions and collaborations that I can’t wait to share more about soon!
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