We met Esma Kartal, a contemporary Turkish artist based in Muğla, whose work blends abstract and surrealist approaches to explore the inner journey of the human soul. Through her large acrylic canvases, Kartal translates the silent language of colors into emotion, creating subtle, layered transitions that engage the viewer’s perception and imagination.
Hello Esma Kartal, what motivated you to create artworks and become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences…)
Nothing and no one convinced me, my talents were always there, they were born with me
Can you tell us about your artistic background, the techniques, and the subjects you have explored so far?
I've been drawing since I was two and a half, maybe even younger—roughly two and a half. Well, even younger than two and a half, actually. I started with teddy bears back then, then it evolved into drawings of girls, and then, by high school, I had evolved into surrealism. The subject matter is the reflections of my interaction with the subconscious world.
What are the three aspects that set you apart from other artists, making your work unique?
1. I create an inner story in each of my works by combining abstract forms with emotional depth.
2. I use light effects in soft, organic forms to convey mood through color.
3. I create free compositions on large-scale canvases, drawing the viewer into the work.
Where does your inspiration come from?
mind
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations, or emotions do you want to evoke in the viewer?
I aim to evoke human emotions. I am a surrealist, and I would like to add this quote from Dali to this answer: "I am not a surrealist, I am surrealism."
What is your creative process? Is it spontaneous or does it involve a long preparatory process?
When I do something spontaneous, the image I'm going to draw appears in my mind. Sometimes it also appears while I'm doodling.
Do you use any particular working technique? If so, could you explain it?
yes, I use a personal technique that combines acrylic layers with soft light effects. I often blend colors directly on the canvas to create smooth, organic transitions and an emotional sense of movement.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? If yes, could you tell us what they are?
I create innovative light effects in abstract compositions using layered acrylics and soft transitions to express emotion.
Is there a format or medium you feel most comfortable with? If so, why?
No, it doesn't matter. I can draw at any free time and in any place.
Where do you create your artworks? At home, in a shared studio, or in your own studio? And how do you organize your creative work in that space?
ı work from home in a calm, bright space. I organize my materials by color and texture, creating an atmosphere that supports focus and creativity.
Esma (2025), Esma Kartal, Acrylic on Canvas, 70x50 cm
Does your work take you to travel, to meet new collectors, or attend fairs and exhibitions? If so, what does that bring you?
No, unfortunately, I haven't even been able to make a sale yet.
How do you envision the evolution of your work and your artistic career in the future?
Nothing has happened yet, but I know I am one of the last heirs of the surrealist artists.
What is the theme, style, or technique of your latest artistic production?
The title of my latest painting is Henri Metisse Style Apple Story. The technique is acrylic.
Could you tell us about your most significant exhibition experience?
The most important thing is that I have only had two exhibition experiences so far. The first was Galerie d'Art La Visione's Summer Bloom 2 exhibition, and the other was Nidra Art Gallery and Pi (Nelo Art Gallery) jointly organized “Emerging Voices” exhibition. My experience with this exhibition was that the surrealist works I learned about from these two exhibitions (in Turkey). Unfortunately, I don't know how it is there, but here, works that are generally a bit simpler, less thought-provoking, and more decorative tend to be popular. As for mine, the artists were impressed. Perhaps the art lovers were too—I know the artists were impressed because I spoke to them personally, but I don't know about the art lovers. Unfortunately, there were no sales.
If you could have created a famous artwork in art history, which one would you choose, and why?
I don't quite understand this question. Is it one of the famous works or one of my own works? If it's one of the famous artists' works, I'm really in love with all of Rob Gonsalves' works. I think he's the pinnacle of surrealism. I don't know if there's anyone else like him. He's the only surrealist artist I know, and I want to be able to lean into surrealism a bit, even if I'm not exactly like him. If it's one of my own works, it would be my piece called “Whisper” because it really has an energy that whispers to me.
If you could invite a famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be, and how would you propose spending the evening with them?
There wouldn’t be just one person, because I cannot separate those I love (Modigliani, Frida, Rob Gonsalves, Picasso, Dali, and of course Van Gogh). I love them all. We would all gather together to talk, and it would be like in the famous painting 'The Last Supper'
Nicolas Sarazin
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