Randa Hijazi is a contemporary Syrian-Canadian painter based in Laval, Quebec. Her journey from Damascus to Dubai and finally to Canada in 2017 has profoundly influenced her artistic vision. Born in Damascus, Syria, she graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Damascus in 2000. Randa’s educational journey didn’t stop there; she continued her studies in Mass Communication and Science of Media, also at the University of Damascus, graduating in 2008. This dual education gave her a unique perspective, combining the analytical eyes of a photojournalist with the expressive heart of an artist.
In Canada, Randa further expanded her skills by obtaining a diploma in Starting Business (Attestation of Vocational Specialization) from Career Center College Saint Pius X, Montreal, in 2019. Her experiences between East and West have significantly shaped her artistic style and themes. Randa’s work is a tapestry of cultural connections, merging the deep-rooted memories of the Orient with the evolving Western civilization. This blend creates a unique narrative in her art, one that addresses humanitarian issues such as injustice, poverty, and marginalization, all depicted with harmony and a distinctive presentation.
In 2023, she received the International Medal of Merit from the International Lions Clubs during the Annual Gala in Laval, Quebec, Canada. That same year, she was awarded the Golden Medal in Art from the Leonardo Da Vinci Gallery and the Circle of Painters and Sculptors of Quebec. In 2022, she received a Certificate of Artistic Achievement from the Luxembourg Museum and a recognition award from the International Lions Clubs in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA. Other accolades include the 2021 Silver Medal from Le Cercle des Artistes et Sculpteurs du Québec and a 2020 Letter of Congratulations from the House of Commons in Canada.
Randa’s work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions across various countries, including Dubai, Lebanon, Canada, France, and Syria. Her movement between these diverse cultural landscapes is evident in her artwork, which often highlights the intersection of Eastern and Western influences.
One of her pieces, “Timeless Tales: Artistic Narratives of Canada’s Rich Heritage,” is an oil painting on canvas measuring 900 x 450 cm. This work is a tribute to Canadian history, capturing the essence of the nation’s heritage from its founding to the present day. The painting features a multitude of significant Canadian historical figures, including Indigenous leaders, French and English settlers, heroes, artists, athletes, scientists, and other key figures who have contributed to the building and elevation of Canada. These personalities, spanning decades of Canadian history, are depicted in a grand hall, symbolically uniting them in time and space to showcase their shared goals and collective contributions to the nation.
Randa’s journey as an artist is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her work reflects a deep understanding of the cultural nuances of both the East and the West, creating a bridge that connects these seemingly disparate worlds. Through her art, Randa continues to shed light on important humanitarian issues, using her platform to advocate for justice and equality. Her paintings are not just visual representations but also narratives that tell the stories of those who have been marginalized or forgotten.
Living in Canada has provided Randa with a new perspective and a broader canvas to express her artistic vision. Her ability to blend her Syrian heritage with her experiences in the West has resulted in a body of work that is both rich in cultural significance and contemporary relevance. Randa Hijazi is not just an artist; she is a storyteller, a historian, and a bridge between cultures. Her art invites viewers to look beyond the surface and to appreciate the deeper connections that bind us all, regardless of our backgrounds.
As Randa continues to create and exhibit her work, she remains committed to her mission of using art as a tool for cultural connection and social change. Her journey from Damascus to Laval is a powerful narrative of transformation and integration, and her art is a vivid expression of this journey. Through her paintings, Randa Hijazi continues to inspire, provoke thought, and foster a deeper understanding of the human experience.
