Anjali Kohli (Montreal, Quebec)

I was born and brought up in India, but Montreal has been my home for the last 40 years. Originally trained as a teacher, I work as an interpreter for asylum seekers and new immigrants. In my job, I am constantly confronted with the hardships of starting over, which keeps me connected to my own personal journey and experience. All of this — the people I work with, the sights, voices, and beauty around me— strongly influences my art, both painting and poetry. I often use vibrant colours in my art, which to me represent laughter, life and hope.