Mais Al-Sheikhly: STACKT 7 Year Anniversary Exhibition

Metal Sphere – Pearl, mixed media on canvas, 30 x 30 inches

STACKT market “7 Year Anniversary” — A Landmark Exhibition by Mais Al-Sheikhly

Until April 29, 2026
Meet & Greet: Saturday, April 18, 6:30pm – 10:00pm
STACKT market, North Hall Gallery, Toronto

Celebrating seven years of supporting local artists and the power of creative expression to transcend borders and experiences, this April STACKT market partnered with acclaimed Iraqi-Canadian artist Mais Al-Sheikhly to present a highly anticipated exhibition of her new signature works.

Running from April 2 to April 29, 2026, this exhibition unveils Al-Sheikhly’s latest 2026 collection He Loves Me, He Love me Not (Daisy Series) and Metallic Spheres, alongside a curated selection of never-before-seen works in Toronto, offering audiences an intimate look into the artist’s continued exploration of emotion, identity, and the human experience.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not (Daisy Series), 36 x 48 inches

“The Daisy” series began from a desire to explore a softer kind of strength. My work often leans into emotional intensity and layered themes, and I felt ready to return to something more playful, something rooted in innocence and hope. “He Loves Me, He loves Me Not” is such a simple childhood ritual, yet it carries a quiet anticipation we all recognize. The daisy became a way to revisit that moment before love becomes complicated.

“Bringing daisy series and metallic sphere works to STACKT feels especially meaningful because the space is alive and community driven. The two series exist in conversation with one another, softness and structure, vulnerability and control, and I am curious to see how people experience and interpret them within such an energetic environment. While much of my earlier work confronted uncomfortable truths, this new chapter focuses on creating space for optimism and inviting viewers to discover their own meaning in what they see.”

Read full Q&A interview with the artist

Starburst – Turquoise, mixed media on wood panel, 20 x 20 inches

Recognized for her bold, textured compositions and deeply expressive visual language, Al-Sheikhly has exhibited internationally, including showcases in New York and Miami during Art Basel week, where her work has attracted collectors and audiences from around the world. Born in Iraq and now based in Canada, Al-Sheikhly’s practice is rooted in storytelling, channeling personal history, cultural transitions, and universal themes of resilience, justice, and transformation through abstract and mixed media works. Her art invites viewers into a vivid emotional landscape, where color, texture, and form converge to spark reflection and dialogue.

View full collection

As part of the exhibition, guests are invited to attend a special Meet & Greet with the Artist

Saturday, April 18, 6:30pm – 10:00pm
STACKT market, North Hall Gallery
*Artist in attendance

This exclusive evening offers attendees the opportunity to connect directly with the artist, gain insight into her creative process, and experience the stories behind the works firsthand.