From an acclaimed debut in Los Angeles to a commanding presence inside Toronto’s newest MediterrAsian restaurant, Toronto-based artist Julia Brevetti is having a breakout summer. Her latest body of work, installed at Queens Harbour in Toronto, blends animal symbolism with cultural storytelling across one of the largest canvases she’s ever worked on. We sat down with the artist to reflect on her process, her inspirations, and the journey between her back-to-back showcases.
A Night to Remember: Debuting The Skull Collection in L.A.
“The energy in the room was overwhelmingly positive… I felt deeply grateful to share my work in such an iconic space.” — Julia Brevetti
June 26th marked a milestone for Brevetti: her first major show in Los Angeles, featuring The Skull Collection at the Pendry Hotel. Partnered with Enable Gallery, the event was a creative culmination that left a lasting impact.
“The team at the Pendry, along with Enable Gallery, did an exceptional job with the setup,” she says. “It was really special to see people come out to support the collection.”
But while The Skull Collection dazzled in the City of Angels, another body of work had already been quietly completed back home — a commission unlike anything she’d tackled before.
MediterrAsian Meets Fine Art: Inside the Queens Harbour Project
“I wanted to use animals to tell the story… each painting became a symbolic expression of the MediterrAsian theme.”
Queens Harbour is no ordinary restaurant. At 23,000 square feet, the downtown Toronto venue merges Mediterranean and Asian design, cuisine, and culture — and Brevetti was tasked with interpreting that vision visually. Her answer? A series of large-scale animal portraits that reflect the fusion in spirit and tone.
“There was quite a bit of trial and error,” she admits. “Kevin, one of the partners, and I went through several rounds before narrowing in on what felt right.”
The result is a striking collection where each creature — from tigers to koi to cheetahs — becomes a totem for cultural harmony and storytelling.
The Cheetah Canvas: Her Largest Work to Date
“Now it’s sparked ideas for an entire series in that style.”
At the heart of the Queens Harbour collection is a piece that marks a new chapter in Brevetti’s artistic evolution — a massive painting of two cheetahs by a pool, inspired by a reference image from Kevin.
“From there, we collaborated to shape it into something that aligned with my style and vision,” she explains. “It allowed me to explore a new direction — and now I’m planning a full series in this style.”
Working at this scale also changed how she approached composition and impact.
“With a space that size, you have to think about how a piece reads from a distance.”
Art in Real Time: Building a Following One Brushstroke at a Time
“Sharing the process in real time allows viewers to feel personally connected.”
Brevetti documented the entire process on social media — and the response was massive. Over 60,000 views and countless comments helped shape the final works, making the audience part of the creative journey.
“Occasionally, someone will comment with an idea or suggestion that truly elevates the piece,” she says.
This interactive approach, rare in fine art, has become one of Brevetti’s signatures — blending transparency with storytelling.
What’s Next: Animals, Autos, and Ambition
“I’ve been dreaming of a partnership and solo exhibition with Porsche.”
With major projects in Los Angeles and Toronto now under her belt, Brevetti is setting her sights on a bold new idea — a fusion of automotive history and fine art.
“I’d love to create a series featuring the five most iconic Porsches from different eras,” she reveals. “Blending fine art with automotive design is something I’ve wanted to explore for a long time.”
Final Word: The Emotion Behind the Canvas
“I want each viewer to find their own meaning and emotional connection.”
As guests walk through Queens Harbour, Brevetti hopes her work not only reflects the MediterrAsian concept but invites personal introspection.
“The goal is for the pieces to both enhance the atmosphere of the space and invite guests to interpret their own stories through them.”
📍Queens Harbour is now open Downtown Toronto, with Julia Brevetti’s original artworks on display throughout the venue. Follow GTA Weekly for more arts and culture features, local artist spotlights, and exclusive interviews.
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