Juwayriya Abdullahi is a Somali-Canadian visual artist whose surrealist practice explores the intersections of mythology, ancient histories, and imaginative worlds. Her dreamlike works are characterized by vivid colours, fluid forms, and symbolic narratives that invite viewers into alternate realms of possibility.

Deeply rooted in her identity as a Black Muslim woman, Abdullahi’s art often engages themes of culture, belonging, and social justice. Drawing inspiration from the rich patterns and textures of East African textiles, she weaves together personal heritage with universal storytelling. Her practice celebrates the resilience, creativity, and beauty of marginalized communities, while also challenging dominant narratives through a lens of wonder and transformation.

Abdullahi’s artistic journey began in childhood, but it was through reconnecting with her Somali-Canadian heritage that she found her distinct voice. By merging cultural memory with surrealist imagination, her work expands conversations about identity and reimagines new ways of seeing the world.

In addition to her studio practice, Abdullahi is committed to art as a tool for education and community-building. She has taught children and adults alike, fostering creative spaces that empower others to tell their own stories through visual expression.

Through her practice, Abdullahi creates portals into layered worlds; both real and imagined, where viewers are invited to explore complexity, embrace multiplicity, and reflect on the richness of human experience.