I am an emerging visual artist working primarily in abstract realism, exploring themes of empathy, wonder, dreams, and surreal beauty. I’m passionate about capturing the essence of nature and life, blending detailed forms with vibrant colour palettes to evoke emotional depth and imagination. While I continue to explore various painting methods, I mostly work with oils and acrylics, occasionally experimenting with other mediums. My evolving practice combines precision and play, creating artworks that invite viewers into richly layered, dreamlike worlds where reality and abstraction intersect, offering a glimpse into my world.
The Card I Played
Oil and acrylic paints, 18" x 24", 2025
This artwork reflects the complex decision-making process that international students often face, particularly in shaping their futures. My personal experience of moving to Canada and adjusting to its lifestyle—through shifting seasons, unfamiliar environments, and cultural transitions—was initially challenging, but I gradually found my footing. Inspired by the idea of making strategic choices, much like in a game of cards, this piece explores the pivotal decision between two paths: Dubai and Toronto. The central motif of playing cards symbolizes the “moves” I considered, with my chosen path—Toronto—represented as the card I ultimately played. Each card features imagery that corresponds to its value: numbers reflect the quantity of specific items depicted, while landmarks and monuments are labelled with letters for clarity and emphasis. The colour coding carries symbolic weight as well: Canadian-themed cards are hearts or diamonds (red), echoing the dominant red in Canada’s national flag, while Dubai-themed cards are clubs or spades (black). The handwritten text in the bottom right corner evokes the ephemeral nature of writing in sand. This playful yet meaningful gesture reflects the fleeting, yet impactful, moments of decision that shape our journeys. This work is not just about a move between cities, but about the emotional terrain of cultural displacement—the ambiguity of belonging, the choices we carry, and the resilience we build in the spaces between.
