Randa Hijazi is a contemporary Syrian-Canadian painter whose art is deeply shaped by her personal journey. Born in Damascus, Syria, she graduated in 2000 from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Damascus and continued her studies in Mass Communication and Media Science, earning another degree in 2008. Her dual education gave her a sharp eye for storytelling and an expressive heart, blending the analytical perspective of a photojournalist with the emotional depth of an artist. After moving from Damascus to Dubai and eventually settling in Laval, Quebec, in 2017, Hijazi’s work has evolved to reflect the complexity of human relationships and the universal emotions that connect us all. Her art speaks of love, devotion, and unity but does not shy away from exploring manipulation and betrayal—key themes in her surreal, introspective collection Threads of Humanity.
Randa Hijazi’s Threads of Humanity collection uses pencil on paper to delve into the intricacies of human emotions and connections. Her surreal compositions juxtapose fluid organic shapes with rigid geometric forms, creating a dynamic interplay that mirrors the tensions of human relationships. The recurring symbols of eyes, hands, and threads evoke the ways people connect with and influence one another. This series is both visually and emotionally intricate, encouraging viewers to reflect on love, conflict, and the invisible forces that bind us together.
Through the detailed shading and delicate textures of her line work, Hijazi creates dream-like images that seem alive on the paper. The tension between unity and alienation, tenderness and betrayal, is palpable, making her work deeply relatable and thought-provoking.
This painting, part of the Threads of Humanity series, is a mixed media work on canvas measuring 170 x 140 cm. It captures a monochromatic crowd of people in beige tones, unified yet individual in their expressions and postures. The crowd fills the entire canvas, creating a sense of shared anticipation, as if humanity itself has been distilled into this singular moment of waiting.
Some figures gaze upward, others forward or toward each other. Their facial expressions range from contemplation to confusion, all marked by a quiet expectancy. The absence of a background or horizon focuses attention entirely on the people, highlighting their shared humanity.
Despite the uniform color palette, the subtle details of posture and gesture add contrast, emphasizing individuality within the collective. This painting speaks to a global sense of waiting and interconnectedness, reminding viewers of the shared experiences that unite us all, regardless of geography or circumstance.
Also measuring 170 x 140 cm, this mixed media painting features two groups of people in the same unified beige tone, placed on opposite sides of the canvas. These groups face each other, not in opposition but in harmony, representing diversity as a source of strength. Each figure is unique in posture and movement, capturing a range of emotions and expressions.
Thin red threads stretch between the two groups, forming delicate, symbolic connections that unite them. These threads seem alive, pulsing with the energy of shared experiences and relationships. The stark, blank background emphasizes the individuals and their connections, drawing focus to the painting’s core message: the importance of unity in diversity.
This artwork invites viewers to celebrate their individuality while recognizing the profound interdependence that binds us all. The red threads underscore the idea that self-expression and human connection are deeply intertwined, encouraging reflection on the beauty of collective strength.
Randa Hijazi’s Threads of Humanity collection transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, focusing on universal human experiences. Her use of surreal imagery and symbolic elements like threads, eyes, and hands makes her work both deeply personal and widely relatable.
Through Anticipation, she captures a shared sense of waiting, reminding us of the moments that unite us as a global community. In Express Yourself as You Wish, she celebrates diversity and freedom of expression, while also highlighting the invisible threads that link us.
Hijazi’s art encourages us to reflect on the relationships that shape our lives, the ways we connect and disconnect, and the forces—both visible and unseen—that make us human. Her work is a meditation on love, unity, and the complexity of human emotion, offering a quiet but profound commentary on the bonds that define our existence.
