Zarina Docken

US-based  artist Zarina N Docken’s diverse experiences in mathematics, theater, technology, and design inform her unique artistic perspective. Born in Manila, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of the Philippines, where she also cultivated her passion for theater as a playwright, designer, and actor. After immigrating to Chicago in the early 1990s and establishing a career in technology, she pursued a Master’s in Design from IIT Institute of Design.

Seeking a convenient creative medium, Zarina rediscovered watercolors in 2019. This seemingly simple medium captured her imagination, fueled by the inspiration and guidance of renowned artists like Marc Folly, Eudes Correia, Alvaro Castagnet, Keiko Tanabe and Patricia Guzman. Zarina’s work, characterized by luminous transparency and dynamic layers, has garnered recognition in national and international exhibitions and awards, including the International Watercolour Masters competition in England.

In 2024, alongside her husband, Zarina co-founded Likhaya, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering artists through community and entrepreneurship. Her commitment to fostering creativity and supporting fellow artists reflects her belief in the transformative power of art.