In the heart of the pandemic of 2020, I kept busy and distracted working on my largest and most exciting commission to date. TWO 14ft x 8ft paintings were commissioned by the Daniels Corporation in Toronto. These pieces were created for the lobby of one of their newest buildings on Toronto’s Waterfront. An incredible feat, challenged by space constraints and a nation-wide lockdown. I am proud to share this solitary photo of the majestic artwork, which was installed by Artstall Toronto. Due to Covid restrictions, I could not be at the installation, and have not yet seen these two paintings up on the wall at the time of this blog! Heartfelt thanks to the folks at Artstall for sending me this picture. My Magnum Opus of 2020, incredibly memorable and beautiful. More photos to come as the world opens up safely. Large-scale, super-sized artwork is now checked off my bucket list! Happy days and much love — Aadila.
New Work - Resilience Series
*UPDATE* THIS COLLECTION IS SOLD OUT.
Find my latest work, created during Toronto’s first pandemic induced lockdown, and released in November of 2020 here.
Artist Statement for this collection:
During lockdown, I kept an isolated second studio to complete over-sized commission work and moved most of my paints and supplies over to the larger studio. After a full day of painting, I would return home with a restless desire to paint even more. In the middle of dark, quiet nights, I picked up my remnant brushes and seldom used colours to paint without reservation and to no defined end. Spurred by the fearsome pandemic, painful social justice reform, and the chaos of the day; these necessary mid-night sessions served to process my raw emotions. The result is an honest and hopeful series that I am honoured to share with you. Presented here is ‘Resilience’, my limited collection of small and medium original pieces, stoically created during a time of piercing uncertainty.
RESILIENCE COLLECTION (ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY AADILA MUNSHI, CONTEMPORARY ARTIST)
CBC News interview at The Artist Project!I
I was thrilled to be interviewed by the CBC news at The Artist Project on the last day of the fair. We talked about how my experience working as a Criminologist in South Africa feeds into my art work today. It’s true that we all have varied roles and experiences that fuel our daily pursuits and passions. The art fair was an extraordinary experience. I communed directly with visitors interested in my art, made meaningful connections, and welcomed many supportive friends and family through the weekend. To end off the exciting weekend with a CBC news spot was a special treat! Thank you to my amazing friends who came out to support me, my family who helped tirelessly with set-up and take-down, a to my friendly and supportive artist neighbours from the show! Thanks to Artist Project and to CBC Toronto - adieu until next year!
Jelena Adzic (CBC Toronto) and Aadila Munshi (Artist)
My debut at The Artist Project 2020, Toronto.
I did it! Artist Project was a tricky yes for me. I hummed and hawed about whether I had the capacity or time to exhibit, but in the end said YES! It was a race to the finish and the booth looked spectacular. Exhausting and exhilarating all at once, I couldn’t be more pleased to have experienced it. Could not have done it without the support of my family and friends. Thank you to all involved in making it seem easy- peazy for me. Look out Artist Project, I’ll be back in 2021!
See you at Toronto Artist Project!
I am thrilled to be exhibiting at Toronto’s premier contemporary art fair, The Artist Project, this year. Visit me at booth #419!
February 20-23, 2020, at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto.
Artwork available on Saatchi Art
Select works are now available for purchase on the world’s leading online gallery, Saatchi Art.
Artwork pricing on Saatchi Art include shipping costs.
Be Yourself, No Matter What They Say (SOLD)