Leila Farsi | Whispers of Persia, Calligraphy, Love, and Cultural Memory

Saturday, January 31^st – Sunday March 29^th
Opening Reception: Wednesday, February 4^th 7 – 9pm
in the Jill Dyall Gallery

View a 3D virtual tour of this exhibition

Exhibition Statement:

This exhibition presents a collection of works that bridge the past and present of Persian calligraphy. Through traditional scripts, modern compositions, and mixed-media experimentation, the show reflects Leila’s journey as an immigrant artist reconnecting with her cultural roots while creating a new visual language.

Themes include heritage, identity, migration, and spiritual introspection. The artworks range from intimate ink-on-paper pieces to bold contemporary canvases. The exhibition invites viewers to experience calligraphy not only as text, but also as a visual emotion and an evolving cultural expression.

Artist Bio:

Leila Farsi is an Iranian calligrapher and calligraphy painter based in Whitby, Ontario. She began practicing Persian calligraphy over 22 years ago and has since developed a deep passion for both traditional calligraphy and contemporary calligraphy-painting (Naqashi Khat). Through years of study, she earned the ‘Momtaz’ Degree in Iranian Calligraphy from the Iranian Calligraphers Association in 2014, which means mastery in calligraphy. Her work seamlessly blends the elegance of classical Persian scripts with modern artistic expression, often exploring texture, color, and form through the use of acrylic and mixed media techniques.

Exhibition Signature Image: Golden Rays in Lapis Sky, acrylic on canvas