aquil.ca – Aquil Virani, visual artist

Aquil Virani’s Artist CV

Aquil Virani is a self-taught Canadian visual artist. His most recent projects blur the line between art and activism; he makes socially-conscious art that often involves simple public participation, using art as a tool for social change. His painted portraits are as much political statements as they are intimate gifts to real, everyday people.

To download a PDF version of Aquil Virani’s Artist CV, click here. To read a slightly longer biography, click here for the home page. You can also click here for Aquil’s Wikipedia page.

Awards, grants, honours

2024 – Canada Council for the Arts: Explore and Create grant.
National Winner (juried) – Short film category, Illume National Film Festival, Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, ON.
Ontario Arts Council: Visual Artist Project grant and Materials grant.
2023 – Longlisted: Norval Morrisseau Award for Visual Arts, Surrey Muse Arts Society. Surrey, BC.
2022 – Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21: Artist residency, Halifax, NS.
Ontario Arts Council: Visual Arts materials grant.
Ontario Arts Council: Visual Arts project grant.
Toronto Arts Council: Emerging artist grant.
Ontario Arts Council: Career Catalyst grant.
Toronto TABIA Award – Creative Solutions Award for Gerrard India Bazaar installation.
2021 – City of Ottawa: Diversity in the Arts grant.
Ontario Arts Council: Arts Response Initiative grant.
City of Ottawa: Youth in Culture emerging artist grant.
2020 – Canada Council for the Arts: Digital Originals grant.
Remarkable Alumni Award, Southridge School, Surrey, BC.
International Centre of Art for Social Change: FUTURES/forward grant and mentorship program, Toronto, ON.
Canada Service Corps, Certificate of Recognition (Contribution to Canadian communities).
2019 – Silk Road Institute’s Creative Arts Grant.
#RisingYouth Community Service Grant (Canada Service Corps, TakingITGlobal and the Government of Canada).
Canadian Online Publishing Award for Best Academic Print & Digital Publication (as contributor to “Art/iculation”).
2018 – Artist for Peace Award, Les Artistes pour la Paix (APLP). Montreal, QC.
Certificate of Achievement (Top 10), Portrait Society of Canada Annual Competition. Toronto, ON.
Official Selection, Jubilee Arts International Film Festival (juried), Cinema NOS. Lisbon, Portugal.
Best Short Film – National Winner, Jubilee Arts Canada (juried), Toronto.
Best Mixed Media Artwork – Provincial Winner, Jubilee Arts Quebec (juried), Montreal.
Acquisition by McCord-Stewart Museum collection (Prints from the “26 Project” and “Postering Peace”). Montreal, QC.
Group winner, Canadian Museums Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Art Exhibitions (Geopoetics group show). Vancouver, BC.
2017 – Michaelle Jean Foundation: Digital Art Grant – Combatting Hate Advancing Inclusion Program. Ottawa.
Provincial Winner, CANFAR Art Exhibit (juried). Canadian Foundation for Aids Research. Toronto.
2016 – Conceptual Illustration of the Year – National Winner (juried), Applied Arts Canada. Toronto.
2010 – People’s Choice Award, Visual Impact group show (juried). Bronfman Building at McGill University. Montreal.

Solo exhibitions

2023 – Aga Khan Museum: “50 years of Ismaili Migration” in collaboration with Aga Khan Council for Canada, Toronto, ON. (curated)
2022 – Centre culturel islamique de Québec, « Hommage aux victimes de l’attentat du 29 janvier. » Québec, QC.
[Cancelled due to pandemic] Musée national des beaux-arts de Québec (MNBAQ), « Salaam. » Québec, QC.
2020 – Online exhibition: CelebrateHer (Canada Council for the Arts Digital Originals grant) (self-produced with catalogue)
2018 – Morrice Hall at McGill University, “CelebrateHer” (in collaboration with Imago Theatre), Montreal.
Collège de Rosemont, “CelebrateHer” (in collaboration with Imago Theatre), Montreal. (curated)
2017 – Arts Underground, “Here is a gift.” Whitehorse, Yukon. (curated)
2016 – Canadian Museum of Immigration, “Canada’s Self Portrait.” Halifax. (curated)
2015 – Galerie Mile-End, “Canada’s Self Portrait.” Montreal. (self-produced)
2012 – Fridge Door Gallery, “Copycat.” Montreal. (curated)

Group exhibitions / Film screenings (selected)

2023 – Canadian Museum of Immigration, “Weaving Cultural Identities.” Halifax. (curated)
Tarragon Theatre, “The Hooves Belonged to the Deer.” Toronto. (curated)
Illume National Film Festival: “Our world is made of the stories we tell ourselves.” Aga Khan Museum. Toronto, ON. (curated)
2021 – Gerrard India Bazaar, Street-level installation of acrylic vinyl panels, Toronto, ON. (juried)
2020 – OCAD U, “Feminist Art Festival: Narrative Healing.” Toronto. (juried)
Myseum of Toronto: Quarantine Qapsule (collaboration with Tea Base), Toronto, ON. (juried)
2019 – Musée des beaux-arts de Mont-Saint-Hilaire, “Biennale du dessin.” Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC. (curated)
2018 – Travelling exhibition: Conseil des Arts de Montréal (Montréal), Musée des beaux-arts de Mont-Saint-Hillaire (Mont-Saint-Hillaire), Festival de la Paix de Victoriaville (Victoriaville). “Lancement du Manifeste pour la Paix.” (curated)
Cinema NOS. “Jubilee Arts International Festival.” Lisbon, Portugal. (juried)
Rialto Theatre, “Archipelago: A living museum.” Montreal. (curated)
Four Seasons Performing Arts Centre, “Jubilee Arts Canada Festival.” Toronto. (juried)
2017 – Aga Khan Museum, “The Silk Road Institute’s 4th Wall Showcase.” Toronto.
Travelling exhibition: Peel Art Gallery and Museum Archives (Brampton),
Mississauga Celebration Square (Mississauga). “150 Muslim Contributions to Canada.” (juried)
Stewart Hall Art Gallery, “Géopoétique.” Pointe-Claire, QC. (curated)
Toronto Reference Library. “Nuit Blanche Toronto: Postering Peace.” Toronto. (curated)
Stewart Hall Art Gallery, “The art that inhabits us.” Pointe-Claire, QC. (juried)
2011 – Light Night Festival, “Light Bite,” Nottingham, United Kingdom. (juried)
2010 – Avenue Art Gallery, “Body Talk.” Montreal. (curated)
Samuel Bronfman Building, McGill University, “Visual Impact.” Montreal. (juried)

Talks / Workshops / Performances (selected)

2024 – Queen’s University: “An Evening with the Artist.” Muslim Societies, Global Perspectives program. Kingston, ON.
2022 – Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21: “Canada’s Storytellers: Aquil Virani.” Zoom. Toronto, ON.
JAYU: “Momentum Exhibition Panel: Artist Mentorship.” Zoom. Toronto, ON.
Legacy: Exploring Our Stories: “Asking the right questions” national workshop. Zoom.
2021 – Silk Road Institute: Ottawa Inshallah – Artist workshop on “Futurism.” Ottawa, ON.
Toronto Metropolitan University: “Art and migration” with Professor Harald Bauder. Graduate program in Immigration and Settlement Studies. Toronto, ON.
Talisman Theatre: Moderator and panelist, “Antioch Roundtable: Muslim representation.” Montreal, QC.
2020 – OCADu, Feminist Art Festival: Panelist, “Magnifying the Unseen.” Toronto.
Human Rights Film Festival, hosted by JAYU: Panelist, “Arts for Social Change.” Zoom. Toronto.
#JeunesEnAction – Documentary Launch: Panelist, “Cultures de résilience.” Facebook Live. Québec City, QC.
Southridge School: Guest speaker, “Community.” Vancouver.
Paul Smith’s College (New York): Guest speaker. (Recurring: 2013 – 2020) New York.
2019 – Musée des beaux-arts de Mont Saint-Hilaire: Interactive performance, « Un défi de la paix. » Mont Saint-Hilaire, QC.
Centre for Social Innovation, Beyond the Single Story Media Retreat: Panelist, “Stories as forces of meaning-making.” Toronto.
MAX Mentors and the Silk Road Institute: Panelist, “From Mosque to Museum: Contemporary Muslim Voices.” Montreal.
Centaur Theatre, Confabulation’s 9th Anniversary Show: Speaker, “Get It Together.” Montreal.
2018 – Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Power of the Arts Forum: Panelist, “Arts & Reconciliation” and “Arts & Discrimination,” Montreal.
Cinema NOS (Lisbon), Jubilee Arts International Film Festival: Panelist, “International Artist & Filmmaker Q&A.” Lisbon, Portugal.
Trampolinhuset (Denmark), Workshop facilitator, “Asylbørns fremtid.” Copenhagen, Denmark.
Inspirit Foundation: Speaker, “Remembering January 29 & Leading Change.” Ottawa.
2017 – Arts Underground: Artist Talk, Whitehorse, YK.
Stewart Hall Art Gallery: Workshop facilitator, “Participatory portraits.” Pointe-Claire, QC.
Alfred B. Dixon Elementary: Guest speaker, “Les oeuvres collaboratives.” Vancouver.
2016 – Canadian Museum of Immigration: Artist Talk and Interactive performance, Halifax.
Galerie MX: Guest speaker, McGill Alumni Association. Montreal.
2015 – Southridge School: Guest speaker. Vancouver.
2014 – Canadian Race Relations Symposium: Panelist, “Art & Canadian identity.” Ottawa.
2013 – Riverdale High School: Workshop facilitator, Overture With The Arts. Montreal.
2010 – Southridge School: Guest speaker. Vancouver.

Community projects, collaborations, commissions, residencies (selected)

2023 – #MyPandemicStory at the ROM: Collaborative artwork, Toronto, ON.
124, celebrating Ontario’s health care workers. Toronto, ON.
Vancouver Art Gallery and the Aga Khan Council for Canada: “Stories of Migration,” Ismaili Centre Vancouver, BC.
2022 – JAYU: Art and Social Justice Anti-Racism Online Residency and Mentorship, Toronto, ON.
Amplified Opera: Collaborative painting and artist book commission, Toronto, ON. (upcoming)
Aga Khan Council for Canada: “Our collective resilience” (50 Year Anniversary of Ugandan Asian Expulsion), Travelling exhibition at 15+ venues across Canada.
2021 – Ismaili Council Edmonton: “Reach,” with Ismaili Muslim youth, curated by Zainub Verjee, Edmonton, AB.
2020 – International Centre of Art for Social Change collaboration with OUR Ecovillage, Shawnigan Lake, BC.
Southridge School: 25th Anniversary Mural for Southridge School, Vancouver.
Paul Smith’s College: Artist residencies. (Recurring: 2013 – 2020.) New York.
Centre culturel islamique de Québec: 29 messages à Québec, Portes ouvertes, 3e anniversaire du 29 janvier, Québec.
2019 – La Table Fleurie d’Algerie: CelebrateHer intervention, Montréal.
2018 – Copenhagen Poetry Club: Vi ikke jeg intervention. Copenhagen, Denmark.
LX Factory (Lisbon): Ela é uma mulher incrível. Lisbon, Portugal.
2017 – Canadian Centre for International Justice: Portrait of Homa Hoodfar. Ottawa.
World Conference on Drowning Prevention: The Life Jacket Project. Vancouver.
#LawNeedsFeminism: Portrait of Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré. Montreal.
Montreal Vigil for Québec City Muslims, Parc Metro: Stronger Together. Montreal.
Mural Festival: Why support underrepresented artists? Montreal.
Arts Underground: Artist residency. Whitehorse, YK.
2016 – Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Love letters. Toronto.
2014 – 10-stop Canada-wide participatory research tour for Canada’s Self Portrait. Toronto.
2012 – Concordia University’s School of Extended Learning: University of the Streets, collaborative artwork. Montreal.
2010 – Southridge School: Artist residency. Vancouver.

Publications as Author (selected)

2023 – “Fifty Years of Resilience,” Artist publication in collaboration with Aga Khan Council for Canada. Toronto, ON.
2022 – Living Hyphen Magazine (Across Generations). “Your Letters Across Generations.” Toronto, ON. (upcoming)
“100 immigrant stories,” Artist publication in collaboration with Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Toronto, ON.
2021 – “Ottawa Inshallah,” Bilingual anthology produced with Silk Road Institute, Ottawa, ON.
Muslim American Writers At Home, Freedom Voices Press, “You’re infected,” and “Notre sang, la meme couleur.” San Francisco, CA, USA.
Race&Disability Zine, produced by Naheen Ahmed, supported by Suffering The Silence. Ottawa, ON.
“Microphone,” Artist publication in collaboration with Amplified Opera, Toronto, ON.
2020 – International Centre of Art for Social Change (blog). “FUTURES/forward: Collaborating with the OUR Ecovillage.” Vancouver, BC.
“29 messages à Québec,” Artist publication in collaboration with the Silk Road Institute, Montreal, QC.
2019 – Art/iculation (Queer & Now). “I resist compulsory heterosexuality: An interview with Clare Byarugaba.” Montreal.
2018 – Living Hyphen Magazine (Entrances & Exits), “Why support underrepresented artists?” Toronto.
Art/iculation (The Art of Healing). “Perfect Metaphor.” Montreal.
F-WORD, “Clare Byarugaba,” Aquil Virani. Montreal, QC.
2017 – The Apollos (Paul Smiths College). “Beyond the Canvas.” New York.
The Apollos (Paul Smiths College). “Understanding systemic privilege.” New York.
2016 – UPPERCASE Magazine. “Why I care that my art is inclusive.” Calgary.
2015 – Entitled Magazine (Identity). “Drawing Canadian Identity.” London.
2011 – Empty Easel (emptyeasel.com).“Just one Artist Statement?”
The Concordian. “How to create your own art show.” Montreal.

Notable press coverage (selected)

2023 – Silk Road Institute’s podcast, “The Story So Far.” Tendisai Cromwell. Toronto.
Aga Khan Museum, “The Making of ’50 Years of Migration’: An interview with artist Aquil Virani.” Toronto, ON.
Ontario Nurses Association Front Lines Magazine, “A Thousand Words: Artist’s Work Decries Bill 124.” Ruth Featherstone. Toronto, ON
2022 – “Portrait series honours victims of Quebec mosque shooting.” Genevieve Beauchemin. CTV National. Montreal.
« On ne vous oubliera pas. » Camille Feireisen. Ici/Radio-Canada. Toronto.
« Un artiste torontois rend hommage aux victimes. » Tassia Trifiatis. Ici/Radio-Canada. Toronto.
“Portraits honour Quebec mosque shooting victims.” Ainslie MacLellan. CBC News. Montreal.
“Show them as people.” Angelyn Francis. Toronto Star. Toronto.
« Aquil Virani rend hommage aux victimes. » Éric Clément. La Presse. Montreal.
2021 – “This artist wrote 30 thank-you letters for his 30th birthday.” Alissa Siegel. 40-minute radio documentary on CBC Radio One’s The Doc Project.
“Stamps of approval.” Lynn Saxberg. Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa.
“Sharing stories through art.” Jennifer Grudic. CTV Atlantic. Halifax, NS.
“New Ottawa Art Book.” Adrian Harewood. CBC Ottawa News (television). Ottawa, ON.
“Aquil Virani’s 30 Letters “Birthday Art Project” encourages us to take a moment for the simple things.” Kenneth Ingram. APT613. Ottawa.
2020 – “Cultures de resilience” documentary by filmmaker Adrian Assoufi. Montreal.
2018 – « Aquil Virani célèbre la diversité des femmes » Éric Clément. La Presse. Montreal.
« De l’art comme outil pacifiste au MBAM. » Caroline Montpetit. Le Devoir. Montréal.
“CelebrateHer with artist Aquil Virani and honouree Rachel Zellars.” Sue Smith. CBC Radio’s Homerun. Montreal.
2017 – “Yukon chiefs’ personalities ‘shine through’ in colourful paintings.” Philippe Morin. CBC North. Whitehorse.
“Arts Underground artist-in-residence Aquil Virani.” Vince Fedoroff. The Whitehorse Star. Whitehorse.
« Les arts en fête à Pointe-Claire. » Éric Clément. La Presse. Montreal.
“The Quebec City Mosque Attack: What we know so far.” The Globe & Mail. Canada.
« Des oeuvres, un silence et des mots. » Odile Tremblay. Le Devoir. Montréal.
“Canada wraps its arms around victims of mosque attack.” Jaela Bernstien, Loreen Pindera. CBC Montréal.
2016 – “Free art!” Mike Finnerty. CBC’s Daybreak (radio/television). Montreal.
“Consider your Canada at Pier 21.” Morgan Mullin. The Coast. Halifax.
“At the gallery with Aquil Virani.” Sue Smith. CBC Radio. Montreal.
2015 – « Autoportrait en fragments » (print). Julie Chaumont. Urbania Magazine. Montreal.
« Esquisse de l’identité canadienne. » Éric Clément. La Presse. Montreal.
“Drawing Canadian Identity” (radio). Sue Smith. Homerun. CBC Montreal.
“Crowdsourced art on Canadian identity.” Carys Mills. Canadian Geographic. Toronto.
“Drawing Canadian Identity” (online). Kristina Urquhart. Applied Arts Magazine. Toronto.
“Montreal artist creates 24 pieces in 24 hours” (television). CBC TV Montreal.
“New Paul Smith’s students welcomed with unique art project” (television). Rose Spillman. Channel 3 News Vermont.
2014 – “Canada’s Self Portrait at Heritage Days” (television). CBC Edmonton.
“CTV Morning Live with Kelly Linehan: Canada’s Self Portrait” (television). CTV Winnipeg.
“Winnipeggers wanted for national art project” (radio and online). Ismaila Alfa. CBC Manitoba.
« Un Vancouvérois traverse le Canada pour le dessiner » (radio). Boulevard du Pacifique. Ici.
2013 – “Aquil Virani: Revealing the artist in everyone” (radio). Todd Moe. North Country Public Radio. New York.
2012 – “Focus Montreal” (television). Richard Dagenais. Global News Montreal.
“COPYCAT.” Jessica Prupas. Leacock’s Magazine. Montreal.
2011 – “Mindfcuk.” Garret Cosgrave. Leacock’s Magazine. Montreal.

Background

Self-taught in visual arts.
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, Philosophy, Marketing, McGill University, 2008 – 2012.
J.W. McConnell Major Scholarship for academic excellence and community involvement ($20K).
Member: Drawing Board Collective (drawingboard.info), Montreal. 2016 – present.

Complete list of press coverage

2024 – CBC Ottawa, “Visual artist reflects on anniversary of Quebec City mosque shooting.” Alan Neal. Ottawa.
Artany Magazine (UK), “Artist feature: Aquil Virani.” Taniya Dharani. London, UK.
GAPC Entertainment (CBC Gem), “So You Want To Be A Muslim?” Ottawa, ON.
2023 – Silk Road Institute’s podcast, “The Story So Far.” Tendisai Cromwell. Toronto.
Aga Khan Museum, “The Making of ’50 Years of Migration’: An interview with artist Aquil Virani.” Toronto, ON.
Ontario Nurses Association Front Lines Magazine, “A Thousand Words: Artist’s Work Decries Bill 124.” Ruth Featherstone. Toronto, ON
Black Maple Magazine, “Scholar’s Couch: Aquil Virani.” Dr. Charmaine Nelson. Amberst, Massachussets, USA.
“Travelling storytelling exhibition on Ismaili migration comes to Ottawa.” Stu Mills. CBC Ottawa.
“Exhibition showcasing contributions of the Ismaili Muslim community in Canada to be on display in Brampton.” Roha Puri. Brampton Guardian.
“A reunion story to remember”. The.Ismaili. Vancouver.
“Exhibition touring BC showcases contributions of Ismaili Muslim community”. North Shore Daily Post. Vancouver.
2022 – “Portrait series honours victims of Quebec mosque shooting.” Genevieve Beauchemin. CTV National. Montreal.
« On ne vous oubliera pas. » Camille Feireisen. Ici/Radio-Canada. Toronto.
« L’artiste-en-résidence virtuel. » Isabelle Ménard. Radio-Canada. Toronto.
“Artist Aquil Virani on his collaborative art project.” Ana Almeida. Halifax.
« Un artiste torontois rend hommage aux victimes. » Tassia Trifiatis. Ici/Radio-Canada. Toronto.
“Portraits honour Quebec mosque shooting victims.” Ainslie MacLellan. CBC News. Montreal.
“Show them as people.” Angelyn Francis. Toronto Star. Toronto.
« Aquil Virani rend hommage aux victimes. » Éric Clément. La Presse. Montreal.
“Aquil Virani’s commemorative portraits.” Sabrina Marandola. CBC Radio. Montreal.
“Unpacking Ismaili Identity Through Visual Art.” Saamiyah Syed. Canadian Muslim News. Toronto.
2021 – “This artist wrote 30 thank-you letters for his 30th birthday, some to complete strangers.” CBC Arts.
“Thirty.” 40-minute radio documentary on CBC Radio One’s The Doc Project. Alisa Siegel.
“Stamps of approval.” Lynn Saxberg. Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa.
“Aquil Virani’s 30 Letters “Birthday Art Project” encourages us to take a moment for the simple things.” Kenneth Ingram. APT613. Ottawa.
“Sharing stories through art.” Jennifer Grudic. CTV Atlantic. Halifax, NS.
“New Ottawa Art Book.” Adrian Harewood. CBC Ottawa News (television). Ottawa, ON.
“Ottawa Inshallah,” Alan Neal. CBC Ottawa: All in a Day. Ottawa, ON.
“30 thank-you letters.” Robyn Bresnahan. CBC Ottawa Morning. Ottawa, ON.
“New anthology reflects on possible futures.” Erika Ibrahim. APT613. Ottawa, ON.
“His hopes for Ottawa Inshallah.” Chelby Daigle. MuslimLink. Ottawa, ON.
“Aquil Virani encourages us to take a moment.” Kenneth Ingram. APT613. Ottawa, ON.
“Anthology of Muslim artists pictures a bright future.” Lynn Saxberg. Ottawa Citizen. Ottawa, ON.
“L’art pour déconstruire les préjugés.” Gaelle Kanyeba. Le Droit. Ottawa, ON.
“Oeuvrer pour un monde meilleur.” Marie-Ève Duguay. La Rotonde. Ottawa, ON.
“Ottawa Inshallah.” Derick Fage. RogersTV: Daytime Ottawa. Ottawa, ON.
2020 – “L’attentat de Québec après 3 ans : le pouvoir des petits gestes.” Podcast collaboration between #RisingYouth and Never Was Average. Eva Jomphe. Quebec City.
“Cultures de resilience” documentary by filmmaker Adrian Assoufi. Montreal.
“Southridge Welcomes Alumnus and Artist Aquil Virani,” Southridge School, Natasha Karan. Vancouver.
2019 – “Muslims in Canada: The Bigger Picture.” Shazlin Rahman. Inspirit Foundation. Toronto.
2018 – « Aquil Virani célèbre la diversité des femmes » Éric Clément. La Presse. Montreal.
“CelebrateHer: Twelve inspiring, everyday women.” Laura Casella. Global News. Montreal.
« De l’art comme outil pacifiste au MBAM. » Caroline Montpetit. Le Devoir. Montréal.
“CelebrateHer with artist Aquil Virani and honouree Rachel Zellars.” Sue Smith. CBC Radio’s Homerun. Montreal.
“Interview with visual artist Aquil Virani.” Sarah Deshaies. CKUT Radio’s Upstage. Montreal.
« Aquil Virani, artiste pour la paix 2018. » Agence QMI. TVA Nouvelles. Montréal.
“Aquil Virani: Art as a medium for social change.” The.Ismaili Online. Toronto.
“Postering Peace: An Interview with Visual Artist Aquil Virani.” Chelby Dangle. MuslimLink. Ottawa.
« Le pouvoir des arts : trois jours mémorables. » Pierre Jasmin. L’aut’journal. Montreal.
“Rialto Theatre transformed into a museum of original art, live performances.” Nantali Indongo. CBC Radio 1 + CBC Montreal.
“What’s On: Archipelago.” Christine Long. CTV Montreal.
“Odd Stumble’s Archipelago dunks on traditional gallery experiences.” Josh Marchesini. McGill Tribune. Montreal.
« Des enchères pour la bonne cause. » Delphine Jung. Droit-Inc. Montreal.
2017 – “Cool New Exhibits Opening at PAMA.” Kelly Roche. InBrampton.com. Brampton.
“New PAMA Exhibits Highlight Diversity of Communities in Canada.” Leslie Hatton. Bramptonist. Brampton.
“Paul Smiths College freshmen collaborate with Montreal artist on new art.” Todd Moe. North Country Public Radio. New York.
“Yukon chiefs’ personalities ‘shine through’ in colourful paintings.” Philippe Morin. CBC North. Whitehorse.
“Arts Underground artist-in-residence Aquil Virani.” Vince Fedoroff. The Whitehorse Star. Whitehorse.
« L’ici et maintenant d’Aquil Virani. » Olivier de Colombel. L’aurore boréale.
« Les arts en fête à Pointe-Claire. » Éric Clément. La Presse. Montreal.
“Reflections on an Evening of Creativity and Connectedness.” Kim Boucher Morin. Socialconnectedness.org. Montreal.
“#CelebrateHer on Montreal Billboard.” Kim Sullivan and Tina Tennerriello. MAtv (television). Montreal.
“Notable women for an extraordinary project.” Laura Casella. Global News (television). Montreal.
“Featured alumni” (video), shown at all convocation ceremonies at McGill University. Montreal.
“Portrait of Imago.” Erin Lindsay. Imago Theatre. Montreal.
“#CelebrateHer recognizes inspiring women.” Sabrina Marandola. CBC’s Homerun (radio). Montreal.
“Nominate an inspiring woman.” Sonmin Bong. The F Word: Feminist Media Collective (radio). Vancouver.
“Preview: Colour Outside the Lines combines improv and multicultural perspectives.” Xavier Tolentino. Bad Feeling Magazine. Montreal.
“Our favourite #McGillProud story.” Mark Sinclair. McGill University Alumni. Montreal.
“Alumni hear young entrepreneurs’ stories.” McGill News Magazine. Montreal.
“Go Beyond the Canvas: A discussion with Aquil Virani.” Annie Rochon. The Apollos. New York.
“The Quebec City Mosque Attack: What we know so far.” The Globe & Mail. Canada.
« Des oeuvres, un silence et des mots. » Odile Tremblay. Le Devoir. Montréal.
“Vigil for Quebec City victims.” Sarah Jesmer. The Link newspaper. Montreal.
“Canada wraps its arms around victims of mosque attack.” Jaela Bernstien, Loreen Pindera. CBC Montréal.
“Manifestation des femmes contre Donald Trump à Montréal en direct.” Canoë Télévision. Montreal.
2016 – “Free art!” Mike Finnerty. CBC’s Daybreak (radio/television). Montreal.
“The Giveaway Project: How one Montreal artist is sharing art for free.” Morgan Davis. McGill Tribune. Montreal.
“Street art ‘Lite'” Kelsey Litwin. The Link newspaper. Montreal.
“Sending positivity through public art.” Jessica Kinnari. The Concordian. Montreal.
“Alumni Spotlight: Aquil Virani.” Jasmine Boyes. Southridge School Annual Report. Vancouver.
“Live immersive art experience.” Lina Racaniello. TEDxMontreal blog. Montreal.
“Consider your Canada at Pier 21.” Morgan Mullin. The Coast. Halifax.
“Why I care that my art is inclusive.” Aquil Virani. Uppercase Magazine. Calgary.
“One-of-a-kind painting.” #Sens25 Update. Julie-Anne Lafreniere. Sens Extra #91. Ottawa.
“Paul Smith’s College welcomes students, fewer than hoped for.” Chris Knight. Adirondack Daily Enterprise. New York.
“A new school year and new art at Paul Smiths College” (radio). Todd Moe. North Country Public Radio. New York.
“100 artworks in 1 week.” Derick Fage. Breakfast Television Montreal (television).
“Aquil Virani’s latest project.” Christine Long. CTV Montreal (television).
“At the gallery with Aquil Virani.” Sue Smith. CBC Radio. Montreal.
« Qu’est-ce qui vous fait vous sentir chez vous ? » Anais Laspougeas. L’Intérêt. Montreal.
“Fine Arts Marathon.” Ocean DeRouchie. The Link Newspaper. Montreal.
“100 artworks in 1 week?” Cassandra Marsillo. Montreal Rampage + Artistorian. Montreal.
“100 artworks. 1 week.” Diane Wong. Artinest. Montreal.
“Aquil Virani’s art marathon.” Ocean DeRouchie. Oceanderouchie.com. Montreal.
“A Q&A: 1 man. 1 week. 100 artworks.” Lydia Anderson. The Concordian. Montreal.
« Entrevue: Aquil Virani. » Matilda Nottage. Le Délit. Montreal.
“Artist creates artwork for TSO,” Loveletterproject.com, Toronto.
« Plusieurs Québécois récompensés au concours » Infopresse, Montreal.
“Aquil Virani wins 2016 Applied Arts Conceptual Illustration Award.,” Southridge Press, Vancouver.
2015 – « Autoportrait en fragments » (print). Julie Chaumont. Urbania Magazine. Montreal.
“What is Canada’s Self Portrait?” Breakfast Television Montreal (television).
« Esquisse de l’identité canadienne. » Éric Clément. La Presse. Montreal.
“Drawing Canadian Identity” (radio). Sue Smith. Homerun. CBC Montreal.
“Art this week.” Lisa Sproull. Cult MTL. Montreal.
“Crowdsourced art on Canadian identity.” Carys Mills. Canadian Geographic. Toronto.
“Drawing Canadian Identity” (online). Kristina Urquhart. Applied Arts Magazine. Toronto.
“Coast-to-coast collaborative creation” (online). Neil McDevitt. McGill Reporter. Montreal.
“Drawing Canadian Identity” (online). Rachel Yeoh. Entitled Magazine. London, UK.
“Canada Day with Canada’s Self Portrait” (online). Artistorian Blog. Montreal.
“Montreal artist creates 24 pieces in 24 hours” (television). CBC TV Montreal.
“What’s On: Aquil Virani creates 24 artworks in 24 hours”. CTV Montreal (television).
“The 24 project” (radio). Mike Finnerty. CBC Montreal.
“New Paul Smith’s students welcomed with unique art project” (television). Rose Spillman. Channel 3 News Vermont.
“POUNCE!” (radio). Todd Moe. North Country Public Radio. New York.
“Artist combines 300+ freshmen drawings into a single artwork” (print). Brittany Proulx. Adirondack Daily Enterprise. New York.
“EQUINOXE Preview.” Leonardo Calcagno. Baron Mag. Montreal.
2014 – “Canada’s Self Portrait at Heritage Days” (television). CBC Edmonton.
“CTV Morning Live with Kelly Linehan: Canada’s Self Portrait” (television). CTV Winnipeg.
“Canada’s Self Portrait” (radio). Yvonne Leblanc-Smith, CBC Nova Scotia.
“Winnipeggers wanted for national art project” (radio and online). Ismaila Alfa. CBC Manitoba.
“Canada’s Self Portrait” (radio). Sonali Karnick. CBC Montreal.
« Un Vancouvérois traverse le Canada pour le dessiner » (radio). Boulevard du Pacifique. Ici.
“Let every concept soar” (online). Southridge School. Vancouver.
“Art for the People, by the People” (print). The Concordian. Montreal.
“A Portrait of the Country as a Young Nation” (print). The Link. Montreal.
“Sketches reveal Canucks’ love of country” (print). Victoria Times Colonist. Victoria.
“My name is Aquil and I am Canadian” (online). Montreal Rampage. Montreal.
“Aquil Virani is back at Paul Smith’s!” (radio). North Country Public Radio. New York.
“Three Bares Mural.” Ellsworth Bell. The Ledger. Montreal.
“Art for (and by) the masses.” Kenneth Aaron. The Sequel, Paul Smith’s College. New York.
“College students collaborate on new art” (radio). North Country Public radio. New York.
2013 – “Dans la rue fundraiser” (television). Tania Krywiak. CTV News. Montreal.
“We Are All Artists.” Glenn Weiss. Art of Community (blog). Florida.
“Unifying Freshmen.” (Front page article). Shaun Kittle. Adirondack Daily Enterprise. New York.
“Aquil Virani: Revealing the artist in everyone” (radio). Todd Moe. North Country Public Radio. New York.
“We Are All Artists (Photo Of The Day).” Jack LaDuke. Plattsburgh Press Republican. New York.
2012 – “Focus Montreal” (television). Richard Dagenais. Global News Montreal.
“Arts & Culture” (online video). Alexandre Blais. CUTV.
“Everyone has the potential to be an artist” (online video). Gabriel De Vuyst. The Bull & Bear.
“COPYCAT.” Jessica Prupas. Leacock’s Magazine. Montreal.
“Canvassing the Masses.” Katie McGoarty. The Link Newspaper. Montreal.
“Drawing inspiration from those around him.” Rachel Reichel. McGill Daily. Montreal.
“We are all artists…even if we don’t believe it.” Katherine Gombay. McGill Reporter. Montreal.
“Southridge grad solos with McGill exhibit.” Alex Browne. Peace Arch News. Vancouver.
“Artsweek (ARTISTAT).” Sacha Jackson. Montreal Mirror. Montreal.
2011 – “Mindfcuk.” Garret Cosgrave. Leacock’s Magazine. Montreal.
“McGill students sing, dance and doodle in benefit TalentDrive” (online). Peggy Curran. Montreal Gazette. Montreal.
“Sht tht wll fck wth yr mnd.” Christina Colizza. McGill Daily. Montreal.
“Mindfcuk” (video). Stacy De Souza. TVM. Montreal.
“How to create your own art show.” Aquil Virani. The Concordian. Montreal.