What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
Psychology is a field that deeply influences my artistic practice. I create thematic series based on the psychological impact of colors and words. In my works, I intentionally incorporate motivational words and phrases, aiming to evoke positive emotions in the viewer.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
I graduated from the Painting Department of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. In 2016, I completed my academic journey with a thesis-based master’s degree in the Art and Design Department at Yaşar University. Throughout my career, I have experimented with various techniques. The one I use most often involves creating layered compositions using collages made from newspapers or magazines, which I then enrich with motivational words or phrases. I named this body of work ‘Ephemera’
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
1. Conceptual Depth: My work is strongly influenced by psychology. I aim to connect with the viewer’s inner world by exploring the emotional impact of colors and words. Each series is designed to raise awareness and evoke positive feelings.
2. Distinctive Technique: I often use a layered collage technique, combining cutouts from newspapers and magazines. These transient materials symbolize the fleeting nature of everyday life, while the motivational words I place on top create a sense of permanence and hope.
3. Emotional Engagement: My art is not only visual but also emotional. I strive to create pieces that resonate with the viewer on a personal level—works that inspire, uplift, and offer a moment of reflection or healing.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I draw most of my inspiration from human psychology. Living in Turkey, I observe that—perhaps due to our cultural or even genetic makeup—we are a society deeply accustomed to negativity and emotional hardship. There’s a constant need for movement, for encouraging news, and uplifting words. As a contemporary artist, I aim to offer a sense of motivation to people who are affected by the country’s circumstances.
Because art is a universal language, I intentionally use English in my text-based works. An interesting fact I came across is that the human brain reacts to negative words regardless of language. For example, while the phrase ‘never give up’ seems motivational, the brain still registers the word ‘never’ as a negative command, which might trigger a stress response or push us into constant struggle. That’s why I carefully choose only positive words and affirmations in my work. This has become a personal mission for me—to uplift others through thoughtful, psychologically aware visual language
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
When viewing my artwork, I want the viewer to smile and feel a sense of recognition, as if they’ve discovered something truly meaningful. My aim is for them to think, ‘This is it,’ and place the piece in a prominent spot in their living space where it will be seen frequently. The ‘Ephemera’ series, which I believe bridges the gap between collectors who purchase for investment and those who buy for decorative purposes, should create a deep, emotional connection with the viewer.
Do you use a particular work technique? if so, can you explain it?
In my most recent works, I have been focusing on oil painting directly onto the canvas. However, my most distinctive technique, which I believe defines my artistic practice, involves creating collages using wet magazines with white gesso on the canvas. I use this technique to build layers, starting with the first layer where I create lines, followed by additional layers of collaged magazines. In the second layer, the paint serves as the foundation, and in the third, the painting itself begins to shape the composition. I continue to add layers until the piece feels complete to me. This layered approach allows me to create depth and texture, reflecting my evolving artistic vision.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
Yes, I believe there are several innovative aspects to my work. One of the most significant is my use of layered techniques, where I combine paint and collaged materials, such as wet magazines with white gesso, to create a textured and evolving composition. This approach is unique in that it blends traditional painting with a modern collage method, allowing me to explore the intersection of different mediums. Another innovative aspect is my use of motivational words and phrases. I incorporate these into my works not just as decorative elements but as psychological triggers, designed to evoke specific emotions and thoughts in the viewer. This combination of visual art and psychological intent creates a deeper, more personal connection with the audience.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
I work primarily with oil and acrylic paints on canvas. My relationship with materials, especially in the layering process with magazines, plays a significant role in my creative process. When the color from a magazine piece intersects with the area I intend to paint, it often leads me to an intuitive conclusion. This spontaneous interaction between the materials allows the work to evolve organically, making the creation process faster and more fluid.
Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop or in your own workshop? And in this space, how do you organize your creative work?
I create my work in my personal studio, located in İzmir. This space is essential for my creative process, as it provides the solitude and freedom I need to focus on my work. I organize the studio in a way that allows me to easily transition between different stages of the creative process. The space is divided into areas for sketching, painting, and storing materials, ensuring that I can work efficiently and maintain a flow. I keep my materials, such as paints, magazines, and canvases, organized yet accessible, allowing me to move seamlessly from one phase of the work to another.
Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
Yes, my work occasionally requires travel to meet new collectors, attend trade shows, and participate in exhibitions. These experiences are invaluable to me, as they allow me to connect with a wider audience, gain insight into different art markets, and establish meaningful relationships with collectors and other artists. Attending exhibitions and fairs also gives me the opportunity to observe how my work resonates with people from different backgrounds, which further enriches my creative process and helps me grow as an artist. These interactions often lead to new opportunities and collaborations, making travel an essential aspect of my artistic journey.
How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in the future?
I see my work and career evolving in a way that allows me to continually explore new techniques, materials, and concepts. As an artist, I want to expand the boundaries of my current practice and incorporate more diverse influences from both contemporary and classical art. In the future, I aim to engage in more international exhibitions and collaborations, allowing my work to reach a broader audience. I also hope to develop a deeper connection with collectors and art enthusiasts, and ultimately, I would like my work to inspire and motivate others in a way that fosters positive change. I envision my career continuing to grow and evolve, becoming a part of a larger artistic dialogue.
What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
The style of my latest works still revolves around the use of words, but with a more realistic approach. I create my sketches by photographing the discarded and crumpled versions of previous sketches, capturing their raw, chaotic forms. These photographs serve as the basis for my new sketches, which I then paint on canvas using a realistic technique. I primarily use oil paint on canvas to bring these sketches to life, combining both text and realistic imagery to explore the relationship between the two.
Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
One of my most special exhibitions was my solo show in Istanbul. Many of my artist friends, collectors, and representatives from newspapers and magazines attended the event. I even had interviews with them, and I remember being so excited that my voice was trembling. It was difficult for me to even say my name due to the overwhelming emotion. In addition to the excitement and joy of my solo exhibition, I also participated in the GTZ Art Days in Turkey, where two of my works were selected for display. Being part of such an esteemed and selective jury was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Most recently, in 2022, I held my 4th solo exhibition titled Efemera Alıntılar in Izmir. Once again, I felt the same excitement, and my hands were trembling as I prepared for the event.
If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would you choose? And why ?
If I could have created a famous work in the history of art, I would choose René Magritte’s The Treachery of Images (Ceci n’est pas une pipe). This iconic piece challenges the relationship between an object and its representation, making us question what we truly see and what is real. What I find fascinating about this painting is how it plays with the concept of perception and reality, a theme that resonates deeply with my own work. It’s not simply a pipe; it’s a representation of a pipe, urging us to consider how language, images, and symbols shape our understanding of the world. Magritte’s clever use of irony and surrealism to express this idea is something I admire. I would love to create a piece that encourages viewers to look beyond the obvious and rethink the way we interpret what’s in front of us.
If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be? How would you suggest he spend the evening?
If I could invite a famous artist to dinner, it would definitely be Andy Warhol. I would love to discuss his creative process, from his production methods to his approach to marketing art, as well as the elements that led him to choose pop art as his medium of expression. Warhol’s ability to turn everyday objects into art and his revolutionary impact on the art world are subjects that intrigue me deeply. The evening would undoubtedly be filled with vibrant conversations, and I imagine the setting would be surrounded by colorful, dynamic elements, reflecting the energy and boldness that Warhol infused into his work.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
