October 2024 — Leila Heller Gallery is pleased to announce its participation in the 19th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, taking place from October 24-27, 2024, at Tersane Istanbul. The gallery will be exhibiting at Booth B1-15, showcasing a selection of works by three prominent contemporary artists: Maryam Lamei, Alaattin Efe, and Melis Buyruk. Each artist offers a distinctive approach, exploring themes of identity, psychology, and nature, providing a compelling vision of contemporary art from the region.
Maryam Lamei, a celebrated Iranian artist, presents her deeply emotional and abstract works that reflect on the complexities of human existence and memory. Her large-scale acrylic paintings, including Is Life Colored in Our Shadows? Or Are We the Shadows of Our Own Shadows? (2024), delve into the layers of personal and collective identity, inviting viewers to contemplate the deeper truths hidden within.
Alaattin Efe, a Turkish artist renowned for his exploration of the subconscious and existential themes, will display works that are both haunting and visually captivating. His minimalist use of black pen on white paper, seen in pieces like Jouska (2024), reflects the inner turmoil and existential inquiries that define much of his work, influenced by psychoanalytic theory and surrealism.
Melis Buyruk, an acclaimed ceramic artist from Turkey, will present her intricate sculptures that explore the intersection of nature and artistry. Works such as Habitat, Earth (2024) demonstrate her mastery in combining porcelain and 22k gold, creating surreal and organic forms that challenge traditional boundaries between the natural and the man-made.