Showcasing Artist Maisa Mreiwed

I am a Syrian-Canadian artist, researcher, and educator based in London, Ontario, Canada. I hold a Fashion Design Diploma from LaSalle College, a BA in Religious Studies, and an MA in Art Education from Concordia University, Montréal, Canada. In 2007, the Arab International University in Syria recruited me to launch and head the Fashion Design Department. During my tenure, I taught various courses such as Islamic Art, Textiles, Fashion Phenomena, and Costume History. My passion for teaching and exploring diverse art forms has inspired me to create intricate works filled with symbols and signs inspired by the past and present. I use quill homemade ink and handmade paper as my chosen artistic mediums and tools. I see art as a powerful visual narrative that connects people to each other and to the environment. 

My artwork has been showcased nationally and internationally through residences, exhibitions, public art, and conference presentations in Canada and abroad. Currently, you can find my work displayed at Art à la Carte in the Ontario Parliament Legislative Assembly building, on traffic signal boxes in London, Ontario, and on the book cover of "Art as an Agent for Social Change" published by Brill | Sense (2021). In 2022, I was honored to receive the Lakehead Arts Integrated Research Award, inspired by climate change and action. Additionally, my chapter titled “Storytelling through Textiles” was published in "Making Connections in and through Arts-based Educational Research" published by Springer (2023). My ongoing project revolves around storytelling through textiles.

My artwork reflects my personal, academic, and professional journey as a Syrian Canadian artist, educator, and designer within an interconnected global world. Drawing inspiration from both the tangible realities of my surroundings and the ethereal landscapes of my dreams, each artwork tells a story of survival through the eyes of different living beings embedded within layers of geometric figures, intricate details and symbols inviting viewers on a journey of exploration and wonder. The overarching message is one of unity emphasizing the importance of safeguarding our oceans, skies, lands, and all beings for a more promising present and future.

The artistic process for each artwork varies as it is guided by the story, canvas and scale. To tell each story, I use a quill and ink with black as a dominant colour complemented by secondary colours such as gold, copper, and silver acrylics, to create a harmonious balance and accentuate key symbols. Each stroke of the quill helps capture the beauty and emotions that manifest in my subconscious transcending the limitations of verbal communication inviting the audience to join me in the exploration of a world where words are unnecessary, and the language of the soul is depicted in shades of ink.

I see art as a powerful visual narrative that enables reflection, critical thinking, and connects people to each other and the environment. Each element and symbol that I weave into my artworks is intentional. While the meaning may vary, the intention is for the viewers to discover something new every time they look at a piece and use their imagination to decipher the messages.