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ITA - ENG
Hülya Özdemir is a Turkish artist born in Istanbul who creates splendid watercolors with colorful and Art Nouveau backgrounds in which different unique and wonderful women are portrayed to tell a story; the story of women's struggle in the world of gender stereotypes. Proud and determined, they have looks that convey all their strength in the desire to subvert social conventions.
All images © courtesy of Hülya Özdemir
OCTOBER 2023
I read that you are a self-taught artist, how did you approach this world and who are the
artists which have influenced you the most?
artists which have influenced you the most?
From a young age, I'have had a natural inclination towards drawing and painting, which has
grown into a lifelong passion. It's not something I consciously decided to pursue - it simply
feels like a part of who I am. The styles and use of colour by artists like Gustav Klimt and
Frida Kahlo have been a major source of inspiration and have greatly influenced my work.
grown into a lifelong passion. It's not something I consciously decided to pursue - it simply
feels like a part of who I am. The styles and use of colour by artists like Gustav Klimt and
Frida Kahlo have been a major source of inspiration and have greatly influenced my work.
Your protagonists are female figures who show off a direct and decisive look towards the
viewer as if to challenge him, can you tell us about your choice?
My choice of female figures with a direct and determined view is to question traditional
gender roles and societal expectations. Historically, women have often been portrayed as
passive objects in art and media, while male characters have been portrayed more actively and
assertively. I aim to challenge these stereotypes as artists or creators by presenting women
with a direct and defiant look.
gender roles and societal expectations. Historically, women have often been portrayed as
passive objects in art and media, while male characters have been portrayed more actively and
assertively. I aim to challenge these stereotypes as artists or creators by presenting women
with a direct and defiant look.
The bright colors of the backgrounds suspended between minimalism and art nouveau that
surround your protagonists, what do you want to express?
surround your protagonists, what do you want to express?
I enjoy using bright colours to evoke emotional responses. For instance, vibrant yellows can
inspire feelings of energy and happiness, while deep blues can create a sense of calm and
serenity. Colours can reflect or enhance the emotional distance of a story or character.
Additionally, using bright colours can make visuals more appealing. Colours have the power
to capture the viewer's attention and convey the narrative.
inspire feelings of energy and happiness, while deep blues can create a sense of calm and
serenity. Colours can reflect or enhance the emotional distance of a story or character.
Additionally, using bright colours can make visuals more appealing. Colours have the power
to capture the viewer's attention and convey the narrative.
What inspires you when you work? The people you portray or rather an image or a concept
you want to express?
When portraying people, I am often inspired by their stories, emotions, and experiences. I
strive to capture their essence and convey their narrative through my art. The depth and
complexity of human emotions fascinate me, and I aim to translate those feelings into visual
expressions. Whether it's capturing the determination in someone's eyes or the vulnerability in
their posture, I find inspiration in the richness of human character.
Moreover, concepts and themes play a significant role in shaping my work. They can stem
from personal experiences, social issues, or philosophical ideas. These concepts provide a
foundation for me to express my thoughts, or convey a specific message through my art. They
serve as a guiding force, helping me infuse meaning and purpose into my creations.
Ultimately, my inspiration is a dynamic interplay between the people I portray, the images
that captivate me, and the concepts I want to explore.
strive to capture their essence and convey their narrative through my art. The depth and
complexity of human emotions fascinate me, and I aim to translate those feelings into visual
expressions. Whether it's capturing the determination in someone's eyes or the vulnerability in
their posture, I find inspiration in the richness of human character.
Moreover, concepts and themes play a significant role in shaping my work. They can stem
from personal experiences, social issues, or philosophical ideas. These concepts provide a
foundation for me to express my thoughts, or convey a specific message through my art. They
serve as a guiding force, helping me infuse meaning and purpose into my creations.
Ultimately, my inspiration is a dynamic interplay between the people I portray, the images
that captivate me, and the concepts I want to explore.
The hair of the women you portray sometimes looks like flames and seems to float what
does that mean in your artistic vision?
does that mean in your artistic vision?
The floating of the hair signifies a sense of freedom and fluidity. It implies that these women
are not bound by conventional norms or limitations. Their hair moves with a sense of grace
and ethereality, representing a transcendence of societal constraints and an embrace of their
own unique identities.
are not bound by conventional norms or limitations. Their hair moves with a sense of grace
and ethereality, representing a transcendence of societal constraints and an embrace of their
own unique identities.
In an ideal exhibition, what would be the soundtrack that would accompany your works
and how would you like the exhibition to be structured?
and how would you like the exhibition to be structured?
When I imagine exhibiting my works, I envision a thoughtfully selected soundtrack that
enhances the overall experience and complements the themes and emotions presented in my
art. The intention of the exhibition is to offer a multisensory experience that blends visual art,
music, and storytelling. It should be designed in a way that leads the audience through a
significant and engaging journey, evoking emotions, promoting connection, and leaving a
lasting impression on those who partake in it.
enhances the overall experience and complements the themes and emotions presented in my
art. The intention of the exhibition is to offer a multisensory experience that blends visual art,
music, and storytelling. It should be designed in a way that leads the audience through a
significant and engaging journey, evoking emotions, promoting connection, and leaving a
lasting impression on those who partake in it.
Is there a work you feel particularly attached to?
Choosing a single work that I feel especially connected to is challenging since each piece
holds a distinct place in my artistic journey and reflects a separate aspect of my creative
expression. The most valuable aspect of my work is the impact it has on viewers and the
connections it creates. Every piece represents a part of me, and when it evokes emotions or
contemplation in others, that is where the true attachment lies.
holds a distinct place in my artistic journey and reflects a separate aspect of my creative
expression. The most valuable aspect of my work is the impact it has on viewers and the
connections it creates. Every piece represents a part of me, and when it evokes emotions or
contemplation in others, that is where the true attachment lies.
What are your plans and your aspirations for the future?
I hope to continue to arouse emotions and inspire audiences with my art by producing pieces
that connect deeply with people and leave a lasting impression. One of my greatest aspirations
is to have the opportunity to showcase my work in international exhibitions.
that connect deeply with people and leave a lasting impression. One of my greatest aspirations
is to have the opportunity to showcase my work in international exhibitions.