Mahir Siraj

b.1992
Lives and works in Toronto, Canada

Mahir Siraj is an Eritrean-born emerging artist based in Toronto. With a foundation in self-taught painting, Mahir has a BFA in Drawing and Painting from OCAD University. Mahir draws visual and historical references from his exposure to living in countries such as Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan (as a refugee), and Canada. With an emphasis on painting, his artistic practice utilizes a visual play of symbols and metaphors to explore the intricate connections between memory and the construction of meaning.

CV

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS (solo unless otherwise indicated)

  • 2025, TRANSMISSION II, A Transatlantic Project Exploring Innovative Modes Of Exhibition, Milbank Tower, London, UK

  • 2025, TRANSMISSION I, A Transatlantic Project Exploring Innovative Modes Of Exhibition, Stackt Market North Hall Gallery, Toronto

  • 2024, NEW HORIZONS, OCAD University Great Hall, Toronto

  • 2024, ECHOES OF ERITREA (group), Nuzamuse Studio, Toronto

  • 2023, TRANSFERENCE (group), 183 Gallery, Toronto

  • 2022, COMMENTARIES (solo), Artscape Youngplace Hallway Galleries, Toronto

  • 2016, STORIES OF MIGRATION (group), Dabanga Art Gallery Khartoum, Khartoum

  • 2010, SPACE BETWEEN THE SPACES (duo), Alliance Francaise Asmara, Asmara

  • 2010, Printmaking (group), Alliance Francaise Asmara, Asmara

  • 2009, COLLECTIVE (group), Segen Eritrean Art Institute, Asmara

FAIRS

  • 2023, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 62 (online), Toronto

  • 2022, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 61, Toronto

RESIDENCIES

  • 2022, Self-directed residency, Artscape Gibraltar Point, Toronto

ACCOLADES

  • 2025, John Madott Fine Art Award, 2025

  • 2022, BEST OF STUDENT AWARD, Toronto Outdoor Art Fair 61

  • 2022, Artscape Solo Exhibition and Residency Award

  • 2022, Marie Collins Memorial Award

EDUCATION

  • 2025, BFA, Drawing and Painting, OCAD University 

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS  

JURYING

  • 2023, Juror in Apexart’s Open Call for New York City exhibitions, Apexart, New York

PRESS