Author: Seraphina Calder

Randa Hijazi is a contemporary Syrian Canadian artist and painter based in Laval, Quebec. Born in Damascus, Syria, she later moved to Dubai before settling in Canada in 2017. She graduated from the Painting Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Damascus, in 2000, and continued her studies at the Faculty of Mass Communication and Science of Media, graduating in 2008. This unique combination of visual arts and media studies helped shape her artistic approach, allowing her to observe the world with the keen eye of a photojournalist while creating deeply expressive artwork. After arriving in Canada, Hijazi…

Arie Otten, born in 1954, is a self-taught artist hailing from Apeldoorn, Netherlands, whose creative output spans across many abstract forms. Known for his adventurous and experimental approach, Otten combines a wide variety of materials, such as acrylics, oils, and organic pigments, to bring his work to life. His artistic process is spontaneous, beginning with a blank surface and evolving through trial and discovery. Much of his work draws on the human experience, with recurring themes of faces and abstracted landscapes, showcasing his deep imagination and a desire to explore enigmatic ideas. In November 2024, Otten will present a new…

Marina Chisty, a Russian-American artist currently based in the bustling metropolis of New York City, reflects the multifaceted nature of urban existence through her work. From an early age, Marina’s artistic journey began in the nurturing environment of a children’s art school in Russia. It was there that she first discovered her artistic talent and developed a deep appreciation for the expressive potential of both abstract and figurative forms. Rooted in her Russian heritage, Marina’s artistic identity was shaped by a natural inclination toward abstraction and the symbolic use of color. Marina has remained committed to her craft, dedicating herself…

Katerina Tsitsela is an artist whose work spans both painting and engraving, offering a unique exploration of human perception and emotion. Her artistic research delves into the psychoanalytic interpretation of landscapes, which she terms “internal landscapes” or “landscapes of the human soul.” Tsitsela’s paintings express dark, introspective mental states, where beams of light push through the darkness, illuminating figures that represent existential struggles. Her work invites viewers to engage with these figures through their own emotional lenses, reflecting the human condition. Tsitsela focuses on uncovering an excessive truth, one that lies beyond material reality. The interplay of earthy colors, bold…

Mary Arnold is a Canadian artist in the world of art and photography. With a rich history spanning forty-five years, she has seamlessly blended the realms of analogue and digital photography to create captivating visual narratives. Her expertise shines brightly in her digital stitched panoramic photographs. What sets her work apart is not just her keen eye for detail but also her unique choice of medium. Her photographs are meticulously printed on aluminium, adding a modern touch to timeless landscapes. Over the years, Mary’s work has been showcased in different galleries across Canada, from the Art Gallery of Vancouver in…

Kirandeep Grewal is a multi-disciplinary community artist and art educator based in Canberra. Her art practice takes a meditative approach to daily life, focusing on learning, sharing, and encouraging others to engage with art. Kirandeep draws from various techniques she’s learned while traveling and interacting with artisans from different cultures. She creates designs on silk scarves, wall hangings, and paintings, working with a range of media like silk, canvas, and paper. Her work invites viewers to reflect on harmony, migration, and connection with the natural world. One of Kirandeep’s key pieces from 2023 is A Journey. This textile artwork measures 65…

Judy Gittelsohn’s art isn’t just about colors on canvas; it’s a tapestry woven from the threads of memory, family, and the profound symbolism of life. Born in the picturesque landscapes of Portland, Oregon, Gittelsohn has spent her life capturing the essence of her experiences through vibrant acrylic strokes. Growing up amidst the sprawling embrace of family in Oregon, Gittelsohn’s childhood was akin to a bustling community within itself. With grandparents, cousins, and extended family sharing the same space, her upbringing was imbued with a sense of togetherness and shared memories. These formative years, spent swimming in a communal pool and…

Garda Alexander is a Swiss visual artist and consultant in spatial transformation with a diverse foundation across painting, sculpture, drawing, and installations. Her versatile education set the stage for her career, and over the years, she has become known for using color, light, and form to impact the environments she touches. Garda’s passion for commissioned artworks has led her to create transformative pieces for living and working spaces, designed to foster well-being and reflection. An entrepreneur and artist, she frequently collaborates internationally with galleries and companies, bringing her work to audiences across borders. Garda’s pieces invite viewers to explore color…

In a world where efficiency often trumps beauty and growth overshadows aesthetics, Ettore Albert believes beauty isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity, a force capable of saving the world. With each stroke of his brush, Albert seeks to remind us of the transformative power of aesthetics, inviting us to envision a reality where freedom and joy reign supreme. Albert’s artistic journey is steeped in the wisdom of Fyodor Dostoevsky, who once proclaimed that beauty will save the world. This belief permeates every aspect of Albert’s work, compelling him to challenge conventions and reimagine our priorities. Rather than adhering to…

Sue Nicholas, a fine art graduate from Goldsmith’s College with an MBA from Imperial College, brings a unique perspective to contemporary art by looking beyond the superficial layers of identity and diving into the profound internal landscapes of consciousness. Her work doesn’t dwell on the external self but rather on the fluidity of the inner dimension—the consciousness or life force that resides within. With imagination as her primary tool, Nicholas channels this intangible energy into her art, offering viewers glimpses of her internal landscapes. Her paintings embody thought and emotion, visually mapping the mind’s complexities through geometric abstractions. These pieces…