A breath of nature
Public art windows showcase immigrant artists at downtown LRT platform
Pause on your commute downtown to find moments of nature at the Centre Street LRT platform. In two large window galleries on the exterior of the Telus Convention Centre, horses stride through abstraction, a hummingbird hovers amid water droplets, and an olive branch is peacefully rendered.
The paintings are part of two complementary exhibitions by Calgary-based artists Muhammad Abdallah and Muhammad Fauzan Mirza. Part of the Open Spaces: Windows to a View public art program, the displays were curated by the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation (ICAI), whose mission is to integrate newcomer and immigrant arts professionals into Alberta’s arts landscape.
“Fauzan and Muhammad’s work both explore themes of nature, which brings a refreshing sense of calm and connection to the natural world, especially in a busy urban setting,” comments ICAI in an email about how the artists were chosen for the Open Spaces windows. “Their exhibits offer a pause in the middle of a city filled with concrete and constant movement.”
Fauzan’s exhibition, Majestic Stride, features three large-scale oil paintings of horses titled “Phases,” “Mountain Mustang,” and “Saga.” Intrigued by nature since childhood, Fauzan shares that he was always mesmerized by horses and has long incorporated them into his art.
“Coincidence or destiny, I landed in Calgary, with no idea about the significance of horses here, which motivated me further to continue painting more horses,” says Fauzan, who is originally from India. “Majestic Stride was the result of this passion for horses, depicting their serenity and strength, power and presence, and victory and valour.”
Fauzan is also an architect and designer, which informs his paintings. “For me, art and architecture have a close relationship when it comes to presentation, representation, communication, aesthetics, proportions, visual awe and beautification of a space,” he explains. “The use of texture, colour, patterns and proportions are key factors that drive my work.”
Abdallah’s exhibition, Silent Whispers of Nature, is aptly named: by intentionally placing natural subjects on black backgrounds, he is inviting the viewer to “pause, reflect and appreciate the interconnectedness of life, where every element of nature holds a story waiting to be heard in the quiet spaces we so often overlook.”
His series is bookended by a polar bear in “Arctic Majesty” and a mountain sheep in “Shepherd of the Heights,” both shown in profile. The middle paintings explore more delicate subjects: an olive branch in “Eternal Peace,” a hummingbird in “Wings of Silence” and a maple branch in “Northern Spirit.”
Abdallah’s paintings are both peaceful and vibrant, symbolizing freedom, resilience and growth. “Each piece is a moment of connection and a silent dialogue between humanity and the wild, symbolizing harmony, strength and contemplation,” he explains in his artist statement. “These works are an invitation to pause and contemplate the quiet power of nature, often obscured by the noise of modern life.”
The noise of modern life can be particularly loud at an LRT station, which makes the oases of these nature-based exhibits especially poignant. The bustle of the Open Spaces location is welcome, in its way, offering a diverse audience to the artists.
“For immigrant and newcomer artists, having their work displayed in such accessible and visible locations offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the wider public,” writes ICAI. “Window exhibits are particularly effective because they invite spontaneous engagement. It’s a beautiful way to integrate diverse artistic voices into the everyday life of the city.”
The exhibits are on display on Seventh Avenue between Centre Street and First Street S.E. until May 31. Learn more about both exhibitions here, and you can also find Fauzan’s work on Instagram and YouTube.
