Simon Raskina's career, long defined by his masterful, detail-driven paintings of familiar and exotic subjects, established him as a distinctive voice in contemporary realism. Known for his technical skill and technicolor palette that elevates the natural world with fantasy and neon opulence, Raskina's work has consistently earned recognition, including multiple awards in international juried exhibitions.
For over a decade, the Toronto-based artist has been a regular feature in the Canadian art scene, with numerous group and solo exhibitions across Canada and the U.S. His acclaimed solo shows, such as Empowering Change and Loving the Process, and consistent presence at events like Fan Expo Canada, have garnered him a devoted audience. This commitment to creative intensity is further fueled by his background as the lead vocalist of the Toronto punk rock band, Generation Zero, and his professional grounding in the investment world, which brings a unique analytical focus to his creative endeavors.
Ever evolving, as of 2025, Raskina has recently embarked on a compelling new body of work, shifting from meticulous realism to a free, confident, and expressionistic style that marries the bold strokes of Impressionism with a modern, figurative approach. This transition is born from a desire to reclaim the raw expression of the human hand and engage viewers in a more intuitive, humorous, and less serious conversation. Raskina wanted to create a style that AI would have trouble replicating due to its elastic lines and free-flowing brushstrokes.
The culmination of this artistic evolution is the forthcoming major solo exhibition, "Laugh Lines," which will be displayed at the Hotel Victoria in Toronto from May 1st to July 31st, 2026. The show will feature a cohesive series of vibrant, conceptual portraits rendered in oil pastel and acrylic on paper, capturing the essence of everyday people through the artist’s distinctly humorous, loving, and vibrant lens. Raskina continues to live and work in Toronto, Canada, operating in a constant state of creative push and stylistic exploration.
