In this series, we get to know the Artists behind the work with ten questions about their practice, their space, and their ideas. These are their Stories.
Mahir Siraj
Mahir Siraj is an Eritrean-born artist who lives and works in Toronto. He is an emerging artist who has a background in painting and is currently studying drawing and painting at OCAD University. Mahir’s works employ the use of symbols and metaphors to investigate the relationship between memory and meaning in the context of personal and social identity formations. A recipient of the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 61 Best of Student Award, Mahir has since had a solo exhibition at Artscape Youngplace Hallway Galleries, a residency at the Artscape Gibraltar Point, and a group exhibition at 183 Gallery.
How did you discover your passion for art and decide to pursue it as a career?
I can say that my passion for art was sparked early in my childhood. Although I find it challenging to pinpoint the moment I encountered the world of art, I have an early memory of seeing stained glass and paintings at a local church in Addis Ababa and being stunned by the beauty it exuded. This is the earliest memory I attribute to what might have been the spark for why I am pursuing art as a career.
Tell us about your process when creating an artwork.
My process of creating artwork is based on frequent research and experimentation I engage myself with. Mainly, I combine colour, space, geometric composition, and symbolic subject matter to create compelling and provocative works. I frequently draw inspiration from contemporary and historical sources. My work tends to generate thought-provoking results as a consequence of this method, which opens possibilities for further inquiry.
In your exploration of the relationship between memory and meaning, are there any specific cultural or historical references that hold significance in your work, and if so, how do you incorporate them into your art to convey your message?
The relationship between memory and meaning is an overarching and globally shared phenomenon. I have noticed this phenomenon from a very young age and I frequently return to it as I progress in my life journey. Mainly, because of conflicts and social unrest in the region I am from, i.e., East Africa, I have migrated to varying places and was exposed to numerous cultures and world views. Each time I came across a new setting, my primary step was to learn the nature of memories that inform the meaning-making processes of a particular culture. Although most, if not all the cultures I have encountered display unique iterations of worldviews, I have been fascinated by the deeper connections they all share that seem to stream out of a common timeless source. Likewise, the experiences I have gathered from my journey—the personal—, as well as the larger shared memory—the social—, come to mind while I undertake research for my paintings.
As an emerging artist with a background in painting, how has your experience studying drawing and painting at OCAD influenced your artistic development and style?
Since I joined OCAD University, I have been constantly negotiating with my practice in light of the course materials I was involved in. Mostly, I have been fortunate to have come across constructive Instructors and colleagues with whom I have had insightful exchanges of ideas. My engagements at the institute have positively contributed to my professional growth.
Your accolades include the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 61 Best of Student Award and various exhibitions. Can you tell us about a particularly memorable experience or turning point in your career so far?
On Transition to the Void, 20″ x 20″, Acrylic on canvas (right).
My experience at the 61st Toronto Outdoor Art Fair has been quite a significant achievement for me. The award and the opportunities that followed the event have helped boost my professional practice immensely. As part of the award, I received from the fair, I had the opportunity to do a residency at Artscape Gibraltar Point located on the Toronto Island. This brief yet potent experience has helped me delve deeper into my process, which I still benefit from.
Many artists find inspiration in their surroundings or life experiences. Are there specific places, people, or experiences that have had a profound impact on your art?
I cherish my time in Asmara, Eritrea, since it was the most formative moment in my life and professional practice. It was then that I made the decision to pursue a career in the visual arts. Although there were countless unforgettable events during my time in Asmara, my most cherished recollections are of the weekly arguments and dialogues I used to have with other painters. Everything about the city and its people is etched in my mind and acts as a restorative source for me.
When you’re not immersed in your art, what are some of your favourite ways to unwind and find inspiration in your day-to-day life?
Usually, when I am not engaged in my practice, I find joy in catching up with family and friends. Painting can be a solitary profession, which is not always a good thing. As such, I like to contrast it by being around people. I also enjoy immersing myself in the collection of literature I have amassed over the years.
What do you listen to when you work?
It depends. Music, podcasts, or nothing at all. Mostly, I choose not to listen to anything that fights to capture my attention. If I am going to listen to anything while I am working, I prefer it to be something that serves as a white noise be it music or a podcast.
What’s one item in your workspace you cannot live without?
Paint is an obvious answer. I do not believe I would step inside my studio if it were not for the enthusiasm paint gives me.
What is one thing you’ve been loving recently that you’d like to share?
Well, I have been getting into a weekly routine of making bread. I have been using it as a marker of ending the week and starting a new one.
So, every weekend, I’ve established a weekly bread-making regimen. I have been using it to mark the conclusion of one week and the start of another. It has been quite an engaging habit.
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