Dilshad Kanji

“Inside you there’s an artist you don’t know about… say yes quickly, if you know, if you’ve known it from before the beginning of the universe.” Rumi. Dilshad Kanji is an emerging artist based in Toronto, of Pakistani descent, who is currently pursuing a BFA in Drawing and Painting at Ontario College of Art an design (OCAD) University. For the past five years, she has been translating her vivid imagination into colorful artworks. Inspired by the poetic wisdom of Rumi, Dilshad has always possessed a unique perspective on life, expressing herself through a vibrant palette, poetry, and spontaneous sketches. Her journey through life's vicissitudes and her observations of the world have deepened her connection to the divine, fueling a longing for eternal love. This spiritual quest is explored through her engagement with Sufism, Sufi literature, and the latest neuroscientific findings, all of which inform her dynamic mark-making.

Dilshad's art is a fusion of mixed media, creating phantasmagorical and sculptural paintings that straddle the realms of surrealism and abstract expressionism. Her work is characterized by bold, dreamlike canvases where geometric and organic forms merge to create fleeting glimpses of recognizable shapes. At the heart of her artistic exploration lies the quantum field, where she seeks to unravel the mysteries of our existence and its interconnectedness with the cosmos. Her creative process is a synthesis of contemporary scientific insights, ancient philosophies, and Sufi poetry, which she meticulously weaves together to reflect on the nature of consciousness, the continuum of time and space, and the concept of multidimensional realities. Dilshad's art invites viewers to contemplate the profound questions of life, eternity, and our collective impact on the universe. An artist with a visionary approach, she intertwines art, science, and consciousness to delve into the introspective journey through her creations. Her art serves as a medium to heighten awareness of the innate human strength that can be harnessed to confront the growing complexities of modern life. With a rich portfolio of group exhibitions at prestigious venues like OCAD, the Ismaili Center Toronto, Aga Khan Museum, Ontario Society of Artist, and Aga Khan Park, her work resonates with a diverse audience. Moreover, her interactive art workshops are not just a display of creativity but a transformative experience, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and steer through life's myriad challenges with confidence and resilience. Her artistic narrative is not only about self-expression but also about instigating change and inspiring action within the community.