Shanoor Devarj

Artist Bio

Shanoor is an American Neo-symbolic expressionist, artist, designer, creative director, photographer, and CEO of Devarj Design Agency, Inc. With a career spanning five decades, he has left an indelible mark on the art world and beyond.

Shanoor’s artistic journey began at a young age. Shanoor pursued his education in advertising design, earning a BFA from London’s Barking College. Upon his arrival in Chicago in 1975, he furthered his studies in film at the Art Institute of Chicago. This blend of artistic and commercial training laid the foundation for a successful career in art direction, branding, and design, where he worked with prestigious agencies such as Leo Burnett and BBDO. In 1984, he founded Devarj Design Agency, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his professional life.

Throughout his career in design, Shanoor never ceased to explore his passion for painting. He began experimenting with unconventional materials, including large unstretched canvases, and found paper, pushing the boundaries of his creative expression. His innovative approach has led to solo exhibitions in both alternative and traditional art spaces, as well as worldwide gallery tours.

Shanoor’s work has been showcased in esteemed galleries worldwide such as Casa Del Arte in Palma, Spain, Thomson Gallery Fine Art in Switzerland, Johnathan Schultz Gallery in Miami, Lelie Gallery in Amsterdam, and New York Art Week. His art has also been featured in exhibitions across Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, South Carolina, North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Berlin, Greece, Dubai, and the Venice Biennale.

Artist Statement