Artist Statement
My paintings consist of personal interpretations of people I observe in urban life. The primary effect I aim to highlight in these interpretations is the psychological state of the figures. In my works, which usually feature a single figure, the setting loses its significance; my interest lies in centering the figure and activating its spiritual/psychological dimension. The excitement of painting for me stems from my emotional processes finding expression in the figures I depict, in contrast to (or in the face of) mere impressions. In this sense, the portrait is a genre I frequently engage with. The figures and plastic values are shaped to emphasize the narrative. My use of light and shadow, along with the frequent employment of monochrome harmony, creates a dramatic atmosphere. A second focus in my work consists of compositions where I turn my lens towards my own private life, alongside my observations of the external world. The figures in my interior arrangements are people I share my life with. Although my personal world and my observations of the outside world are two separate points of departure, tracing the inherent effects carried within each existence forms the core of the content I seek across different subjects.
İbrahim Özsözgün born in Diyarbakır in 1994, graduated from Ankara Fine Arts High School, and then went on Depertmant of Painting at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 2012.
In 2017, the artist graduated from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Department of Painting and started his master’s degree at the same university in 2018. The artist, who completed his master’s degree in 2021, continues his works in Istanbul.
Solo Exhibitions
2025- “Monodram”, KAIROS Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
Group Exhibitions
2015- “New Searches” Painting Competetion, Ulus Lions Club, Mimar Sinan Hall, Istanbul, Turkey
2016- International Istanbul Art Fair, TUYAP Fair and Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey
2017- “Night-Daytime” Painting Exhibition, İstanbul Culture University, Istanbul, Turkey
2017- TÜYAP Istanbul Art Fair, “Fluxus”, TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey
2018- TÜYAP İstanbul Art Fair, “Group Downstairs”, TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey
2019- Artweeks 3, Akaretler Sıraevler, Istanbul, Turkey
2020- “We Have a Massage!” 10×10 Series Exhibition, Istanbul Concept Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2020- 15.Contemporary Istanbul, Association of Art for Good, Istanbul, Turkey
2021- Art Ankara 7. Contemporary Art Fair, ATO Congresium, Ankara, Turkey
2021- ”HEYÛLA” Painting Exhibition, Anel Business Center, Istanbul, Turkey
2021- “TEPKE” Painting Exhibition, Anel Business Center, Istanbul, Turkey
2021- Nuri İyem Painting Competition Exhibition, Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2022- Nuri İyem Painting Competition Exhibition, Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2023- Bodrum Art Fair, Biriz Art Project, Herodot Cultural Center, Bodrum, Turkey
2024- “3” Painting Exhibition, Gallery KAIROS, Istanbul, Turkey
2024- “The Century of Pera Prologue: Lost Time”, Gallery KAIROS, Istanbul, Turkey
2026- “London Art Fair”, Gallery KAIROS, London, United Kingdom