Exploring Languages in Different Forms
Wednesday, November 06 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join invited panelists, Nabeela Yasmeen Malik, Ehiko Odeh, Diane Mikhael and Par Nair, as they delve into the captivating realms of language, cultural identity, and materials expressed through their stories and artworks. Through the panelists’ creative practices and artistic works, they will explore the transformative power inherent in these narratives. This is a remarkable opportunity to witness and learn firsthand how these narratives transcend boundaries, empower agency, and carve out essential spaces for cultural empowerment. Stay engaged with the live Q&A session moderated by Onsite Gallery’s Programs & Community Coordinator, Susan Jama.
Onsite Gallery is generously supported by The Delaney Family
About the panelists
Nabeela Yasmeen Malik is an artist and entrepreneur with expertise in calligraphy, geometry, and metalsmithing. She crafts immersive experiences by integrating light, architectural elements, and language, drawing on scientific, historical, and religious research to add layers of meaning and depth to her work.
Diane Mikhael is an Associate Professor (tenured) in the Graphic Design Department at OCAD University, Toronto. Her research interest revolves around multilingual typography, design, and culture, design for social change, design activism, the politics of design, radical futures and the new narratives, and technology in design.
She is the author of the book Bilingualism in Visual Communication: Visible Forms and Meaning in Arabic and Latin Typography (2017). She is the co-founder and former President of the Middle East Design Educators Association (MEDEA). Diane has more than twenty-six years of teaching praxis at various design schools in Toronto and internationally.
Par Nair (she/her) is an Indian-born interdisciplinary artist, researcher and educator who lives and makes in the GTA (Canada). Her practice which centers on hand embroidery, oil painting, installation, and creative writing explores lived experiences of diaspora using decolonial methods and a return to ancestral practices. Par has shown her works nationally and internationally with notable showings at the Textile Museum of Canada, Nuit Blanche, Kochi Biennale, Eastern Edge Gallery, Hamilton Artists Inc. and Riverdale Gallery. Her recent work is an attempt at unravelling and reimagining historical narratives of Indian women. Par currently teaches drawing at OCAD University.
Website: www.parnair.format.com
Instagram: @parnairr
Ehiko Odeh is a multidisciplinary artist, arts facilitator, arts educator, memory worker and researcher rooted in mysticism and play. Through her exploration of painting, collage techniques, and textiles, she intertwines themes of coiffure—encompassing the products, ingredients, and distribution across African countries. Ehiko incorporates ethnobotany into her practice to educate and promote sovereignty through the knowledge of herbalism & wellness. Ehiko holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a minor in Creative Writing from OCAD University (2021.) Ehiko has led workshops alongside Toronto’s Poet Laureate, Lillian Allen (2017).
Her paintings have been exhibited at Abbozzo Gallery (2024), BAND Gallery (2019 & 2023), The Gladstone House (2021-date), Lagos StreetSouk Festival (2019), Kolkata’s Academy of Fine Art in India (2023), XPACE Cultural Centre (2021), and Nicholas Metivier Gallery (2023). Noteworthy involvements include working with HERMÉS Canada (2023), HAVANA CLUB (2023), and Foodshare Toronto (2023 & 2024). Ehiko is currently an artist-in-residence at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. She garnered recognition from the Member of Parliament of Richmond Hill, Ontario (2023) and participated at the DesignTO Festival (2024).
About the moderator
Susan Jama is an art worker with over 5 years of experience leading community engagement and public arts programming with strong grassroots experience. She is the Programs and Community Coordinator at Onsite Gallery. Susan has worked with various institutions that approach heritage in a community-minded manner including Toronto Ward Museum (TWM) and Black Artists’ Networks in Dialogue Gallery & Cultural Centre (BAND). She graduated from Masters of Museum Studies from University of Toronto and completed her Bachelor in Psychology & History at York University. She currently serves on the Museum Education Roundtable board as co-treasurer.
