Imam Azhari
"Breaking the Barrier" (2009)
“I am not painting with oil colour. My colour is my soul; my spirit is my brush ... always.”
Imam Azhari
Born in Indonesia, Imam Azhari has lived in Toronto since 2004. He grew up in an artistic family who encouraged Imam to follow his passion in the visual arts. He continues to develop his skills and is a graduate of the Academy of Realist Art Toronto .
Calling himself a “Metamorphosis Artist”, Imam Azhari uses the refined and traditional technique of Trompe L’oeil to create spectacular contemporary artworks. His ideas are drawn upon rich and thoughtful personal experiences, such as his journey to Canada or the simple view from his balcony, combined with a historical viewpoint, symbolism and perspectival illusionism. A change (or Metamorphosis) takes hold as the viewer is drawn into his work and soon discovers a stronger and deeper truth that is revealed in all of his oil paintings and drawings.
Imam's artistic talent continues to be recognized at many international art competitions, including his 2009 artwork "Breaking The Barrier" which was awarded 1st place at Richeson 75: Still Life International Art Competition (USA). He was also a semi-finalist at the 2008/2009 International ARC Salon Competition (USA). This prestigious competition received over 1,600 entries from more than 30 countries.
His artwork hangs in private collections in Canada and aboard including that of former Governor General of Canada, Madam Michaelle Jean, who was presented with "Breaking The Barrier" in 2010. Four of his paintings will be featured in the next edition of "Best of Worldwide Oil Artists" series.
October 2011
Solo Show, Wellington Street Art Gallery, Toronto
June 2011
"Gun and rose", Top 100 Artists (no. 76 of 800 entries), National Oil Painters of America show
March 2011
Second Solo Show at Toronto Artist Project, Toronto
"Tear Drop", Honorable Mention, Toronto Artist Project, Toronto
July 2010
"Zig zag" Best of Show, The Richeson 75 Still Life, Floral & Abstract Competition, Kimberly, WI USA
March 2010
First Solo Show, Toronto Artist Project, Toronto
January 2010
"Zig zag" and "Empty Letter", displayed at Toronto Interior Design Show
September 2009
"Empty Letter" & "Krakatoa", 3rd Place, Junction Art Festival, Toronto
April 2009
"Breaking The Barrier", 1st Place, The Richeson75: Still Life International Art Competition, RIcheson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, WI USA
March 2009
Semi-finalist, 2008/2009 International ARC Salon Competition, Art Renewal Centre, Port Reading NJ, USA
May 2009
"Life and Adventure" & "Apple Martini" chosen as Finalists in the Salon International 2009,
Green House Gallery of Fine Art, San Antonios, Texas USA
Imam Azhari
Born in Indonesia, Imam Azhari has lived in Toronto since 2004. He grew up in an artistic family who encouraged Imam to follow his passion in the visual arts. He continues to develop his skills and is a graduate of the Academy of Realist Art Toronto .
Calling himself a “Metamorphosis Artist”, Imam Azhari uses the refined and traditional technique of Trompe L’oeil to create spectacular contemporary artworks. His ideas are drawn upon rich and thoughtful personal experiences, such as his journey to Canada or the simple view from his balcony, combined with a historical viewpoint, symbolism and perspectival illusionism. A change (or Metamorphosis) takes hold as the viewer is drawn into his work and soon discovers a stronger and deeper truth that is revealed in all of his oil paintings and drawings.
Imam's artistic talent continues to be recognized at many international art competitions, including his 2009 artwork "Breaking The Barrier" which was awarded 1st place at Richeson 75: Still Life International Art Competition (USA). He was also a semi-finalist at the 2008/2009 International ARC Salon Competition (USA). This prestigious competition received over 1,600 entries from more than 30 countries.
His artwork hangs in private collections in Canada and aboard including that of former Governor General of Canada, Madam Michaelle Jean, who was presented with "Breaking The Barrier" in 2010. Four of his paintings will be featured in the next edition of "Best of Worldwide Oil Artists" series.
October 2011
Solo Show, Wellington Street Art Gallery, Toronto
June 2011
"Gun and rose", Top 100 Artists (no. 76 of 800 entries), National Oil Painters of America show
March 2011
Second Solo Show at Toronto Artist Project, Toronto
"Tear Drop", Honorable Mention, Toronto Artist Project, Toronto
July 2010
"Zig zag" Best of Show, The Richeson 75 Still Life, Floral & Abstract Competition, Kimberly, WI USA
March 2010
First Solo Show, Toronto Artist Project, Toronto
January 2010
"Zig zag" and "Empty Letter", displayed at Toronto Interior Design Show
September 2009
"Empty Letter" & "Krakatoa", 3rd Place, Junction Art Festival, Toronto
April 2009
"Breaking The Barrier", 1st Place, The Richeson75: Still Life International Art Competition, RIcheson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, WI USA
March 2009
Semi-finalist, 2008/2009 International ARC Salon Competition, Art Renewal Centre, Port Reading NJ, USA
May 2009
"Life and Adventure" & "Apple Martini" chosen as Finalists in the Salon International 2009,
Green House Gallery of Fine Art, San Antonios, Texas USA