Breaking Barriers with a Brush
Art, Storytelling & Community Engagement
I passionately champion community engagement, storytelling, and inclusivity, harnessing their power to drive resilience and ignite social change through impactful public art and specialized arts programs.
Since 2013, I have been an artist with Street Art Toronto, a suite of innovative programs for street artists and public spaces. I've created over 10 murals in East Scarborough, transforming it into a vibrant, colorful neighborhood. These projects engage hundreds of local youth and have been highlighted by the City of Toronto as part of Street Art Toronto's 10-year anniversary celebration. The film "Alchemy," featuring Randell Adjei of R.I.S.E. Edutainment, celebrates our collaborative efforts in bringing art to the community, fostering pride and unity.
Street ART Toronto
Transforming East Scarborough with Murals
Visit the ArtworxTO Tour
Discover self-guided art walking tour of East Scarborough
Murals & Public Art Installations
Community Engaged Mural and Art Projects
Since 2005, I have created over 50 murals and installations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Each project connects deeply with its community and engages youth and community members to create collaborative art that enhances, beautifies, and represents their neighborhood. When this connection is strong, the art no longer just lives in that community, it transforms it.
I develop adapted art programs for neurodivergent individuals and those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as children, youth, and adults from underserved communities. Partnering with organizations and schools, I create engaging projects that bring more art into their programming, enriching lives and fostering creativity.
Art Education
Inclusive Art Programs
In my studio, I dive into colour, abstraction, and symmetry with enthusiasm. Using fluid, vibrant hues, I create dynamic landscapes that burst with energy. I also love crafting stylized portraits that capture personal memories and connections to nature, evoking deep emotions and vibrant stories.
Studio Art
EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS
Amir Akbari
Art that deeply connects with its environment transcends aesthetics, becoming a transformative force
Amir Akbari, a visual artist, educator, and community advocate, has worked for over 20 years to transform neighborhoods through collaborative art projects and murals. Rooted in his experience as a young refugee growing up in the Greater Toronto Area, Amir's art emphasizes community engagement, storytelling, and inclusivity to foster resilience, promote unity, and drive social change.