About/CV
"My paintings are an exploration of the architecture of longing, using the familiar spaces of the 1960s and 1970s as a primary setting. I am drawn to the liminal space of the window, which stands as both a threshold and a mirror—inviting us to reflect inward as we look out. These scenes suggest forgotten spaces—the enduring presence of a structure or a moment that is no longer acknowledged by the fast-moving world. To paint these spaces is, for me, an act of presence. It is a commitment to being in the moment and working; the slow, deliberate nature of oil painting is a mindful contrast to the hurry of the world the window holds at bay. Longing and nostalgia are experiences we all share, and through these paintings, I hope to invite viewers to pause and find solace in the overlooked spaces of their own lives".
San Francisco based artist Leila Noorani, was born in England of is of Pakistani and English descent. She was raised in the Bay Area, then later moved with her family to Loomis, California. She holds a BFA in Fine Art from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and an MFA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a specialty in Printmaking. She has taught art and design as an adjunct professor at University of Michigan, and the Academy of Art in SF, and worked as a 3D environmental artist, 2D animator, and interactive designer for the web and video game industry. In more recent years she in property management, and for herself fixing up old houses. Her studio is at Hunter's Point Shipyard in SF.
CV:
Education:
MFA: Printmaking, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
BFA: Printmaking, Academy of Art College, San Francisco, CA
Additional Coursework: San Francisco State University, Masters Program in Educational Technology, Parson's School of Design.
Exhibitions
2025 “Echoes from Land and Sky”, Inclusions Gallery, SF CA
2025 “Four Square” Arc Gallery, San Francisco, Ca
2024: “Two Pillars”, Arc Gallery, San Francisco, Ca
2023: “Retrospective 16”, Inclusions Gallery, San Francisco
2023: “Cross Sections”, Inclusions Gallery, San Francisco, CA
2023: “Moving Pictures: Art and Transit”, 1890 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA
2023: “Lymelight Foundation Dart for Art” Palo Alto Event Ctr, Palo Alto, Ca
2018-2021: Group Shows, City Art Gallery, San Francisco, Ca
2020-2024: Open Studios/Auction, Hunters Point Shipyard Gallery,
2013: “Gallery Walls”, Mina Gallery, San Francisco
2013 - 2024 Open Studio, Hunter Point Shipyard, San Francisco
2010-2014: Group Shows, City Art Gallery, San Francisco, Ca
2013: "94109", Studio Gallery, San Francisco, Ca
2013: "Encounters and Contemplations", Fine Eye Gallery, Sutter Creek, Ca
2013: "Transition", University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
2012: “Inclusions 4”, Inclusions Gallery Group Exhibition, San Franciso, Ca
2012: "Flags, UFOs, and Bad Weather", LuminArte Gallery, Dallas, TX
2012: "Inside Out", Rotunda Gallery, USF School of Law (Solo)
2010-2012: Open Studio, SoundsSpace! Artspan Open Studio
2011: Holiday Art Show. Velcrow Studios, San Francisco, Ca
2011: 5th Annual A & D Alumni Exhibition. Rackham Gallery. Ann Arbor, MI
2011: “Weaving It Open”, Encuentro Cafe and Wine Bar, Oakland, Ca (Solo)
2011-2014: Open Studio, Hunter's Point Shipyard, San Francisco
2010: “The Herd”, Cafe Que Tal, San Francisco, CA (Solo)
2010: California Breast Cancer Research Program's Biennial Exhibition, Oakland, CA
2009-2011: Open Studio, Art Explosion, San Francisco, CA
2009: “Last Herd”, Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma, CA (Solo)
2009: “Wild”, Body Gallery, San Francisco, CA (Solo)
Awards and Publication:
Jury of Peers Award, 5th Annual A & D Alumni Show, Ann Arbor, MI
Featured 3D computer artist in '3D Graphics and Animation' by Mark Giambruno
Dybvig Award from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Rackham Fellowship Scholarship Award, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Reviewed in The Anchorage Times, Achorage, AK
Merit Scholarship Award Finalist, Academy of Art College, San Francisco, CA