--- title: Lina Faroussi description: "Figurative abstraction exploring identity, movement, and psychological landscapes" url: "https://www.artsume.com/a/lina-faroussi" type: artist createdAt: 2026-02-27 updatedAt: 2026-04-14 disciplines: - Painting - Mixed Media location: "Toronto, ON, Canada" birthYear: 19 --- # Lina Faroussi *Figurative abstraction exploring identity, movement, and psychological landscapes | Painting, Mixed Media | Based in Toronto, ON, Canada* ## Artist Statement In my paintings, I explore identity, transformation, and psychological landscapes through layered figurative abstraction. Rooted in expressionism and figurative abstraction, my practice seeks to convey emotional and internal states rather than depict literal reality. Working primarily in acrylic and mixed media, I construct textured surfaces where gesture, erosion, and material tension reflect states of transition and internal negotiation. I incorporate elements such as fabric, Japanese paper, clay, sand, and photo transfers to build tactile layers that echo memory and time. Born on the Mediterranean coast of Syria and shaped by lived experiences across Alexandria, Athens, Dubai, and Canada, my visual language carries a cross-continental sensibility. Recurring motifs of sea, stone, architecture and the human figure function as structural metaphors, stability against movement, memory against reinvention. Rather than presenting narrative directly, I am interested in emergence: how presence forms within shifting environments. Through layering, veiling, and gradual surface excavation, my work examines how identity evolves across geography and time, what is revealed, what remains embedded, and what transforms. ## Biography Lina Faroussi is a Toronto-based visual artist working in acrylic and mixed media. Rooted in expressionism and figurative abstraction, her practice explores identity, memory, and transformation through layered, tactile surfaces shaped by cross-cultural experience. She has exhibited internationally across Canada, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, and has received multiple international recognitions. ## Curriculum Vitae ### Education - **2016** - Continuing Studies, in Portfolio Development, Toronto School of Art , Toronto - **2014** - Continuing Studies / Independent Studies, in Studio Fine Art Practice (2009–2014), Toronto School of Art, Toronto - **2013** - Continuing Studies, in Life Drawing & Figure Painting, Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto - **2005** - Studio Training, in Landscape Painting & Acrylic Techniques, DUCTAC – Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, Dubai - **1997** - Studio Training, in Oil Painting, Still Life & Portraiture, Atelier of Artists, Alexandria - **1989** - Bachelor of Commerce, in Commerce, Beirut Arab University (BAU), Alexandria ### Solo Exhibitions - **2013** - "Path to Freedom," Hangman Gallery (Artists Network) Toronto (Curated by Organized in collaboration with Artists Network) - **2012** - "Abstract ," Wychwood Barns Gallery Toronto (Curated by Self-curated) - **2012** - "Abstraction," Praxis Gallery Toronto (Curated by Self-curated ) ### Group Exhibitions - **2026** - "Eureka," Propeller Art Gallery Toronto - **2026** - "In Her Own Time," King Heritage & Cultural Centre (KHCC) Hull - **2023** - Grimandi Art Gallery New York - **2022** - "International Group Exhibition," EA Effetto Arte Milano - **2022** - "Canvas Venice International Art Fair," The Room Art space Venezia (Curated by It's Liquid Art Space) - **2019** - "Peeling Layers," Gallery 1313 Toronto - **2019** - "Create 4 Peace," ArtTour International /ATIM New York - **2018** - "Inside Insight," Gallery 1313 Toronto - **2017** - "Life Disrupted," Gallery 1313 Toronto - **2017** - "Parallax Art Fair," Chelsea Old Town Hall London - **2015** - "International Biennale of Art of Palermo," Real Albergo dei Poveri Palermo - **2014** - "Beyond Borders," Agora Gallery New York - **2013** - "Juried Artist, Riverdale Art Walk (RAW)," Riverdale Art Walk (RAW) Toronto (Curated by Artist Network) ### Awards & Grants - **2022** - International Caravaggio Prize, EA Effetto Arte - **2020** - Certificate of Excellence , Circle Foundation for the Arts-CFA -Online - **2019** - Masters Award/ Top 60 Masters, Art Tour International -ATIM - **2017** - Featured in Akimbo Hitlist, Akimbo - **2015** - Sandro Botticelli Award, EA Effetto Arte ### Collections - Grimandi Art Gallery-ATIM, New York - Norman Felix Gallery, Toronto - Private collection, Alexandria - Private Collection, Toronto - Private Collection, Amsterdam - Private Collection, Fort Worth - Private Collection, Chicago - Private Collector, Dubai ### Bibliography - **2022** - Editorial Team, "Featured Artist," *Art International Contemporary Magazine* pp. 101 - **2019** - Editorial Team, "Top 60 masters award," *Art Tour International Magazine* pp. 90 - **2017** - Akimbo Editorial, "Exhibition Feature – Life Disrupted," *Akimbo* - **2017** - Editorial Team, "Featured Artist," *Polychromia International Art Book* - **2017** - "Artist Interview- Life Disrupted exhibition," *Art Toronto* - **2016** - "Artist Listing – Artists Guide," *Art in America* - **2014** - Editorial Team, "Featured Artist," *International contemporary artists: volume x* pp. 80 - **2014** - "Featured Artist," *ARTisSpectrum Magazine* pp. 32&34 ### Professional Experience - **2025 - Present** - Visual Art Mentor, Canadian Artists Network / CAN, Toronto - **2023 - 2024** - Represented Artist, Grimandi Gallery, New York - **2022 - Present** - Visual Art Instructor , Toronto City Community Centres, Toronto - **2020 - Present** - Independent Art Coach & Mentor, Self-employed, Toronto - **2014 - 2016** - Represented Artist, Agora Gallery, New York - **2013 - 2015** - Represented Artist, Norman Felix Gallery, Toronto ### Lectures & Presentations - **2026** - "Artist Talk- In Her Own Time ," Exhibition Opening / Artist Forum King Heritage & Cultural Centre Hull - **2023** - "Structured Painting Workshop Series," Adult Art Program Centre for Skills Development Milton Keynes - **2022** - "Acrylic & Mixed Media Workshops," Community Arts Program Toronto City Community Centres Toronto ### Commissions - **2018** - "Private Commission," Private Commission Toronto ### Gallery Representation - Agora Gallery, New York, (Current) - Grimandi Art Gallery, New York, (Current) - Norman Felix Gallery, Toronto, (Current) ### Curatorial Projects - **2017** - "Three-Year Group Exhibition Series (2017 - 2019)," Gallery 1313 Toronto (with Co-curated with two participating artists) ## Portfolio ### Nature Whisper (2024) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *24x24 (inch)* Organic shapes and subdued tones evoke a dialogue between figure and natural environment. Subtle layering enhances depth and stillness. --- ### Dotted Line (2024) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *30x36 (inch)* A structured composition of repeated arches and elongated figures arranged within layered tonal fields. Subtle variations in form and color create rhythm and spatial depth. --- ### A New Beginning (2023) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *36x30 (inch)* Layered figurative forms emerge within horizontal bands of color, suspended between dissolution and formation. Textured acrylic and mixed media create a sense of cyclical motion and structural rhythm. --- ### A Way To Connect (2023) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *40x60 (inch)* Two elongated figures rise within concentric bands of color, suspended between movement and stillness. Layered acrylic and mixed media create rhythmic circular motion across the surface. --- ### Cocooned Memories (2019) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *30x40 (inch)* Muted, atmospheric tones envelop a partially veiled figure emerging from layered earth and blue hues. The composition suggests enclosure and introspection --- ### Birthplace (2019) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *36x48 (inch)* A coastal landscape merges with subtle figurative traces, rendered in layered blues and earth tones. The textured surface suggests depth beneath the visible horizon --- ### Triumphal Arch (2019) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *36x48 (inch)* An architectural form rises between sea and sky, constructed through layered tonal washes and textured surfaces. The composition balances solidity and dissolution. --- ### Triumphal Arch (2019) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *36x48 (inch)* --- ### Transition (2018) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *36x48 (inch)* An atmospheric abstract composition of layered tonal fields and diffused light. Subtle movement beneath the surface suggests emergence within suspension --- ### Climbing (2018) *Acrylic & Mixed Media on Canvas* *48x48 (inch)* Elongated figures ascend within layered tonal fields, suggesting upward motion and aspiration. The textured surface reinforces vertical movement.