International Contemporary Artist
meet patricia
Patricia's love of art began at an early age. She was fascinated with drawing faces and dresses and was always pencil sketching.
At the age of 10, Patricia entered an art contest that was advertised in the back of a magazine. After a month, she received word that she had talent and should go to art school. This encouragement motivated her to pursue her passion further, and she always believed that gave her a glimspe into her future.
Patricia's love of art blossomed. In her 20s, she created pointillism drawings in ink and sold them for $2 each. In her thirties, she began painting with water colors.
It was in 1989, though, that everything changed. At a friend's home, she saw the artwork of Dragan Dragic. When she learned that he lived only a few hours from where she was going to be staying in France, she insisted that she had to meet him. After several attempts, the artist finally agreed.
Patricia visited his studio, where she met the most brilliant artist who forever changed her life and career. Dragic invited her to study with him for one week, if she would learn some French (he did not speak English). After three months of intense study, Patricia traveled to France again to study with Dragic. It was here she began her dedication to mastering the Matisse palette using the techniques Dragic taught her. That week turned into a lifelong mentorship and friendship. Not only is Monsieur Dragic her maestro, they did a joint exhibition together in Sault, France in 2007.
It was in 1989, though, that everything changed. At a friend's home, she saw the artwork of Dragan Dragic. When she learned that he lived only a few hours from where she was going to be staying in France, she insisted that she had to meet him. After several attempts, the artist finally agreed.
Patricia visited his studio, where she met the most brilliant artist who forever changed her life and career. Dragic invited her to study with him for one week, if she would learn some French (he did not speak English). After three months of intense study, Patricia traveled to France again to study with Dragic. That week turned into a lifelong mentorship and friendship. Not only is Monsieur Dragic her maestro, they did a joint exhibition together in Sault, France in 2007.
While art was her passion, Patricia still needed to earn a living. She began working in the banking industry as a teller. By the time she was 29, she had been promoted several times and was at a senior level, managing a staff of 92 at the third largest branch in Ontario.
She continued to pursue her education and eventually opened her own property management business and a retirement home. All throughout this time, however, she was still creating art, entering art shows (and winning some) and building her name and brand as an artist. Her goal was to be known as an artist, not just as a business person. Art became Patricia's business.
Patricia was fortunate to exhibit in 2001 at a Biennale in Firenze, Italy. It was there she met BB International Fine Arts in Switzerland and was invited to participate in their events. She exhibited in Berlin, Geneva, South Korea, France and several other cities.
Several years later, Patricia participated in the SNBA (Salon Nationale Beaux Arts) which is held at the Carrousel du Louvre, in Paris. Her photography work was submitted by FACEC, Benedict Lecat in the 135th annual show. It was one of the highlights of Patricia's career, as she was chosen to receive the highest honor, the Gold Medal.
Following that, Patricia has won several other awards including Artist of the Year 2020 for Art Tour International magazine which featured her painting on the magazine cover. Again in 2023, Patricia is Artist of the Year. She also has been named one of the Top 10 Contemporary artists by Masters of Today in 2022 and 2023.
Patricia was fortunate to exhibit in 2001 at a Biennale in Firenze, Italy. It was there she met BB International Fine Arts in Switzerland and was invited to participate in their events. She exhibited in Berlin, Geneva, South Korea, France and several other cities.
Several years later, Patricia participated in the SNBA (Salon Nationale Beaux Arts) which is held at the Carrousel du Louvre, in Paris. Her photography work was submitted by FACEC, Benedict Lecat in the 135th annual show. It was one of the highlights of Patricia's career, as she was chosen to receive the highest honor, the Gold Medal.
Following that, Patricia has won several other awards including Artist of the Year 2020 for Art Tour International magazine which featured her painting on the magazine cover. Again in 2023, Patricia is Artist of the Year. She also has been named one of the Top 10 Contemporary artists by Masters of Today in 2022 and 2023.
Most of Patricia's work today is dedicated to the Karmic Revolution and done with acrylic paint, using the palette and technique shown to her by Dragic. She is influenced by by the dark works of Pierre Soulages and the Chinese master Zao Wou Ki. The elemental aspect of her work often creates the illusions of a landscape and a more etheric energy. She also often paints to music, and that has become an important aspect of her work. In fact, several of her collections have been directly influenced by a specific genre of music. One of which is the Lodger exhibition, which was held at the 13th Street Gallery in St. Catherine's. The collection was based on the music of Pat Metheny.
Patricia The Humanitarian
In addition to music, travel is a huge inspiration to Patricia. Wherever in the world she finds herself, she always has a camera in her hands. On a trip to China, Patricia ended her travels in Cambodia, where she met Master Keo Ann who is the "gatekeeper" of Angkor. He runs a small orphanage and school for poor children. Patricia was shocked at the lack of facilities and the damage done by the Khmer Rouge regime. She left there committed to helping rebuild and restore the area. Over the course of five years, Patricia and Master Keo Ann, without financial support, built a new school, a kitchen, washrooms and a school for both the children and the monks.
Patricia's mission has always been to help in any way that she can, and she has since traveled a few times back to the area. She considers this opportunity life altering. Influencing her art, she finds solace which is revealed in the gentleness of gracing the work with complexities which open a gateway to the soul.
Patricia remains committed to a project she began in 2006 in Cambodia where she participated in building the first Buddhist library at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap. Her love for the Cambodian people flourishes through her relationship with Master Keo Ann. Together, they built a school for poor children, an orphanage and a school for monks. She is involved in Boeng Meala, Cambodia with a library and Innovation House. Currently she is working with Sothany Peung in Village Romeas with a morning school for 50 children. The Reflections Initiative is now partnering with Patricia to combine their work in Nicaragua. The People’s Improvement Organisation have also named her an Ambassador.
Patricia The Humanitarian
In addition to music, travel is a huge inspiration to Patricia. Wherever in the world she finds herself, she always has a camera in her hands. On a trip to China, Patricia ended her travels in Cambodia, where she met Master Keo Ann who is the "gatekeeper" of Angkor. He runs a small orphanage and school for poor children. Patricia was shocked at the lack of facilities and the damage done by the Khmer Rouge regime. She left there committed to helping rebuild and restore the area. Over the course of five years, Patricia and Master Keo Ann, without financial support, built a new school, a kitchen, washrooms and a school for both the children and the monks.
Patricia's mission has always been to help in any way that she can, and she has since traveled a few times back to the area. She considers this opportunity life altering. Influencing her art, she finds solace which is revealed in the gentleness of gracing the work with complexities which open a gateway to the soul.
Patricia remains committed to a project she began in 2006 in Cambodia where she participated in building the first Buddhist library at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap. Her love for the Cambodian people flourishes through her relationship with Master Keo Ann. Together, they built a school for poor children, an orphanage and a school for monks. She is involved in Boeng Meala, Cambodia with a library and Innovation House. Currently she is working with Sothany Peung in Village Romeas with a morning school for 50 children. The Reflections Initiative is now partnering with Patricia to combine their work in Nicaragua. The People’s Improvement Organisation have also named her an Ambassador.
Patricia is a Certified Meditation Specialist / Facilitator who completed her certification in Applied Mindfulness and Transformative Mindfulness and Mindfulness Without Borders from the Faculty of Social Work Factor Inwentash at the University of Toronto. She has completed multiple courses at Yale University and University of Alberta. She is a Level 3 Feng Shui Consultant and Reiki Master. She was the founder of Kyralex Management Group and MLX Property Management with a successful career in banking and entrepreneurship while pursuing an artistic career. Patricia is currently CFO of the Hamilton Vein Clinic.
Patricia is a Certified Meditation Specialist / Facilitator who completed her certification in Applied Mindfulness and Transformative Mindfulness and Mindfulness Without Borders from the Faculty of Social Work Factor Inwentash at the University of Toronto. She has completed multiple courses at Yale University and University of Alberta. She is a Level 3 Feng Shui Consultant and Reiki Master. She was the founder of Kyralex Management Group and MLX Property Management with a successful career in banking and entrepreneurship while pursuing an artistic career. Patricia is currently CFO of the Hamilton Vein Clinic.
Appointments | certifications | Awards
Appointments, Certifications & Awards
Honorary Commissioner at the 52nd Venice Biennale in support of Transcendental Realism - 2007
recognized by the International Institute for Arts Accreditation as an International Certified Artist.
member of Mondial Art Institute and in 2018 exhibited at Parallax Art Fairs in London, Chelsea and Kensington UK.
Knighted as a Dame of the International Order of Saint George Grand Prior of Canada - 2013
received the BMO Arts and Communication award in 2015
recipient of the WXN Top 100 Most Powerful in Canada in the Royal Bank Category Champions - 2016
WXN Top 100 award in the BMO Arts and Communications category - 2017
Arts Excellence Award for Courage and Commitment to Human Rights, Dignity and Freedom from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association in Toronto - 2017
inducted into the WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Hall of Fame - 2018
gold medal in photography at the Salon National des Beaux-Arts (SNBA) at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris - 2018
silver medal in Photography from the Societe Academique Arts, Sciences and Lettres de France in Paris - 2020
2020 Apollo and Daphne award from the Le Bernin – International Biennial of Baroque Art Salentin in Italy
International Prize New York City in October of 2020 in NY
World of Art Contemporary Art Magazine and Contemporary Artists and named one of the Top 10 Contemporary artists
Art Tour International magazine named Patricia Gagic one of the Top 60 best artists in New York in 2018, 2019 and 2020
received the Lifetime Achievement award as a Woman of Inspiration 2020 for the Universal Women’s Network and is currently an ambassador
silver medal in Photography from the Societe Academique Arts, Sciences and Lettres de France | Paris, France
Artist of the Year 2020 by Art Tour International Magazine
named Art Tour International Artist of the Year 2023
Silver Medal for painting - 2023
Titan award recipient by ATIM
Status of Women - Woman of the Year
YMCA Peace Medal
YWCA Women of Distinction
Toronto Women’s Expo Award of Excellence
invited member of the IWF (International Women’s Forum) Toronto Chapter
recognized by WXN (Women's Executive Network) as one of the TOP 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada
galleries | exhibitions
Galleries / Exhibitions
13th Street Gallery
Coda Gallery | New York, USA
Meg Gallery | Toronto, Canada
Peak Gallery | Toronto, Canada
Artworld Fine Art | Toronto, Canada
Denison Gallery | Toronto, Canada
Parallax Art Fair | London, Chelsea, Kensington, UK
Société National des Beaux Arts | Paris, France
art3f Brussels | Brussels, Belgium
World Art Event | Cannes, France
Societe Academique Arts, Sciences and Lettres de France | Paris, France
Whitney Commons Gallery | Toronto, Canada
