Back in my Toronto Studio after Art Fair success

After four days straight at the Artist Project 2023 in Toronto, I am back in the art studio. Equally exhausted and exhilarated, I’m still processing the highs and lows of exhibiting, talking (a lot), watching people engage with the work (delightful), and o course selling.

I’m so pleased that the new Inner Poetry collection was so well-received. The collection almost sold out at the fair, and I have a number of commissions to keep me stuck in the studio for a long while. The aftermath of an art fair is where I really slow down and take my time to reset. It is a much needed pause before I begin creating my next collection - where I reflect, recharge, and let the success of the art fair guide me forward!

~ Aadila

toronto painter aadila munshi back in her studio after a near-sold-out art fair exhibit, preparing for upcoming bespoke commissions

The painting that stole the show

At the Artist Project in Toronto, one painting drew people in the most — ‘Eloquence’. It’s a beautiful piece: an uncomplicated neutral in cream and black, but complex in its conception and cadence. I speak through these paintings. This is my eloquence. My honest voice.

I watched a man stand in front of it for several minutes, completely still. When he finally turned, he said, “I can’t look away.” Moments like that remind me that connection doesn’t have to be explained; it just happens when the work is authentic and honest.

‘Eloquence’ had already been seen by a few people on my collector preview list — a private first look that I send out before new pieces go public. My closest friend was among them and claimed it immediately. When she came to the fair on opening night, seeing the piece in person confirmed her decision.

This exchange — from studio to collectors’ preview to its new home — is so incredibly fulfilling for an artist.

If you’d like early access to upcoming collections, you can join the preview list here.

Original art painting called eloquence, cream and black abstract calligraphy and graffiti art displayed at The Artist Project Toronto

What I learned meeting collectors at the art fair.

At Artist Project in Toronto this year, I was reminded how it feels to stand with my work (for four full days in a row) and watch people meet it in real time.

I spend months alone in the studio, building my paintings mark by mark, thought by thought, but the moment someone pauses in front of it, the work changes. It begins a conversation that I simply cannot have by myself.

I spoke with people who saw stories and emotions in the paintings that I hadn’t named — and the honesty was moving. I don’t paint to explain, but I do want the work to evoke genuine reflection. And four days at the fair confirmed that my latest Inner Poetry series does indeed that.

Some of my encounters at the fair led to sales and commissions, but the real gift for me was connection — seeing how art matters to people.

It reminded me that art lives fully only when it’s seen and felt. See this collection here.

~ Aadila

Wrapping up The Artist Project 2023

Artist Project Toronto 2023 was an unforgettable four days — full of great conversations, new collectors, and inspiring connections. My latest series, Inner Poetry, resonated deeply with visitors, and several pieces found new homes across Canada and abroad.

Since then, I’ve completed bespoke commissions that grew out of those meetings — including a collaboration with Ali Budd Interiors. It’s exciting to see my paintings living in some of the most beautiful homes in Toronto.

I’m back in the studio now, creating new work. If you’d like to commission a piece or explore available paintings, you can reach me directly at aadila@rogers.com

Toronto Artist Project 2023

My newest collection, titled ‘Inner Poetry’ debuted at The Artist Project in Toronto. The new work follows on from the urban wall and graffiti abstracts that I am known for. My personal hand style is blown up on canvas, offering my collectors an elegant, poetic, and storied take on my urban contemporary work. Stay tuned for more inner poetry from my studio! ~Aadila.

My Magnum Opus - Daniels Corporation Giant Art Commission! - Nov 2020

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.

PXL_20201104_202529858.jpg

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.

— Aadila Munshi.

RESILIENCE COLLECTION (ORIGINAL PAINTINGS BY AADILA MUNSHI, CONTEMPORARY ARTIST)

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)

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!

IMG_3815.jpg