Youssef, a Canadian artist, kindled his love for art in his formative years, growing up in a small Moroccan town where artistic expression was not widely celebrated. Undeterred by the lack of support, he honed his skills through friendly competition and an unyielding commitment to his art, even in the face of limited access to art supplies and a culture that did not value creativity.

Driven by a boundless curiosity, Youssef delved into mathematics and philosophy, which he later wove into his artistic practice. Although he pursued a career in Toronto's private IT industry after earning his degree from the City University of New York, a chance encounter with an abstract painting reignited his passion for art. Drawing inspiration from geometry and mathematical principles, Youssef infused his acrylic paintings with an innovative blend of art and science.

Despite the demands of his IT career, Youssef continued to exhibit his artwork at local exhibitions and art shows, earning recognition for his distinctive geometric style. In 2020, he unveiled his latest masterpiece, "Homage to Omar Al-Khayyam's Solution to a Cubic Equation," at the Elaine Fleck Gallery in Toronto, a stunning tribute to the mathematical and poetic legacy of Omar Al-Khayyam.

Youssef's artistic journey has undergone a significant evolution, characterized by a bold and experimental approach to painting. With a meticulous layering process that spans months, he creates works that feature mesmerizing interplays of color and texture, capturing his artistic vision. Embracing a spirit of uncertainty and creative risk-taking, he employs techniques such as wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry, scrubbing, and washing away paint to explore new ideas and visions, and push his artistic boundaries. This approach has allowed Youssef to confront his creative fears and pursue a sense of liberation in his work. As a result, he produces captivating and immersive works that reflect his artistic spirit, evocative of his dedication and commitment to his art.

Through his work, Youssef invites us to challenge our preconceptions and contemplate the transformative power of art. His story exemplifies the resilience and dedication necessary to achieve one's dreams, and his work serves as a testament to the human spirit's unyielding potential.

 Juried Exhibitions

  • Elaine Fleck Gallery, Toronto (2017-2020)
  • Toronto Artist Project (2015-2020)
  • Toronto Art Expo (2012-2014)
  • Red Dot Miami Art Show (2011)

  Group Exhibitions

  • 25CPW Gallery, New York (2013)
  • Richeson School of Art & Gallery, Kimberly, WI (2013)
  • Gallore Gallery, Connecticut (2011)
  • The 49th Founders Juried Awards Exhibition, Naples Art Association (2011)

 Awards

  • 3rd PLACE in CUBISM, American Art Awards Galleries Winner (2013)
  • 2nd PLACE in CUBISM, American Art Awards Galleries Winner (2011)
  • International Essie Awards Finalist, Gallore Gallery (2011)
  • SECOND PLACE in oil abstraction, InfinityArtGallery (2009)

 Bibliography

  • International Contemporary Artists Book, NY (2013)
  • AZURE Design & Architecture Magazine, March/April 2011
  • Patrick Donohue, writer & freelance journalist, Apr 2011-2013, www.dilettantesdiary.com
  • Prof. Laurence Bradshaw, Professor of Art at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, U.S.A. (2010)