Kubilay Turhan, born in 1994, is an Istanbul-based artist who has spent over a decade exploring the transformative power of painting. A graduate of Physics from BoÄŸaziçi University, his artistic journey began during his undergraduate years, experimenting across various mediums, including street art, music, photography, and sculpture. Since 2012, he has focused on oil painting, creating works that bridge the gap between abstract and figurative art.
Kubilay’s art is deeply rooted in the idea that an artwork is a shared creative experience. He believes that each painting gains its full meaning through the interaction between the piece and its viewer. His abstract-figurative style is a deliberate attempt to create a "visual playground," encouraging viewers to engage, interpret, and find their own narratives within his work. Combining bold, gestural brushstrokes with recognizable figurative elements, he strikes a balance between abstraction and tangibility, offering a journey that is both exploratory and grounded.
Inspired by the Duck-Rabbit Illusion, Kubilay’s paintings play with shifting perceptions and dualities, inviting viewers to see different dimensions and characters that alter the narrative. Through thoughtful use of color theory and compositional techniques, he creates immersive experiences that guide the viewer while leaving the ultimate interpretation open. His goal is not to dictate meaning but to offer a canvas where personal stories and emotions can unfold.
With a background in music, Kubilay emphasizes aesthetics and emotional resonance over rigid conceptual frameworks. He believes that engaging the unconscious mind is key to unlocking the full potential of art, pushing his work beyond conventional boundaries. By rejecting traditional conceptualism, Kubilay seeks to create art that is as accessible as it is profound.
Kubilay continues to work as an independent artist in his Istanbul studio, producing large-scale oil paintings that combine humility in their execution with grandeur in their impact. His ambition is to influence and inspire, making art an intimate yet universal conversation that challenges conventions and celebrates the boundless possibilities of creativity.