Portrait of a Helper Painting

Biography From a young age, Yunus Chkirate (Shki-rà-té) demonstrated a natural talent for the arts. His mother first introduced him to drawing, painting, and fashion design. He later studied marketing and social sciences which sharpened his business skills and nourished his creative appetite. After making a strong impression by selling out his premiere exhibition in 2011, Yunus continued to blossom by staging annual showings of his works. His presentations, often theatrical, were enhanced by live performances, film presentations and dance. His newfound fame drove him to become more visibly active in his community. He used his voice to develop a philanthropic platform, thus raising awareness and funds for groups servicing Montreal’s LGBTQIA2+ communities. Yunus Chkirate’s large scale, hand woven galvanized steel sculptures are 3D interpretations of his painting style. The emotionally charged figurative paintings, vibrant and pulsating with thick impasto abstraction are acrylic, oils and mixed media on canvas. Yunus Chkirate has developed into one of the most sought-after portraitists, with a growing list of collectors from around the world. His paintings have been exhibited in Canada, the USA, Italy and Australia.