ABOUT
My art serves as a mirror to the complex relationship between humanity and the urban landscape we've created. While I don't seek to glorify the "concrete jungle," I draw inspiration from its inherent chaos, density, rhythm, and energy. Through my work, I strive to capture those ephemeral moments that reveal the peculiar nature of human existence within this artificial environment we've constructed.
My artistic vision explores the delicate balance between individuality and collective identity in urban spaces. I'm fascinated by the tension that arises as people struggle to maintain their unique selves while simultaneously functioning as part of a larger, interconnected organism. This dichotomy forms the foundation of my creative process.
Rather than focusing on individual stories or attempting to make grandiose statements about human self-reliance, my work delves into the broader narrative of our species' relationship with the built environment. I'm drawn to the residual traces of our collective journey—the subtle yet profound movements that transcend individual lifespans.
My approach to depicting urban landscapes is rooted in authenticity. I don't seek to embellish or romanticize the structures that surround us. Instead, I focus on the ordinary, everyday buildings that form the backdrop of our lives. By presenting them as they truly are, I aim to evoke a deeper emotional response and spark contemplation about our place within these spaces.
While I don't shy away from the sometimes stark reality of urban environments, my use of color serves as a portal to the imagination. It's through my carefully chosen palette that I convey the feelings and atmosphere I wish to impart, inviting viewers to experience the city through a new lens.
Growing up in Istanbul, one of the world's most populous cities, has profoundly influenced my artistic perspective. The sheer scale and diversity of this metropolis of 20 million inhabitants have been a constant source of inspiration since my early days at the academy. My decision to exclude human figures from my paintings is deliberate—it allows me to represent the collective human experience through architecture, structure, transformation, and reflection, rather than limiting the narrative to individual physical appearances.
In recent years, my artistic journey has taken an international turn. The year 2023 marked a significant milestone with my first solo exhibition abroad in the vibrant city of London. Inspired by this experience, I made the decision to relocate permanently to London in 2024, embracing the opportunity to continue my artistic exploration in this diverse and dynamic global hub.
Through my art, I invite viewers to contemplate the intricate dance between humanity and the urban environments we've created, encouraging a deeper understanding of our place within these complex, ever-evolving spaces.
The dilemma that people have to live in a concrete forest which they have built themselves is what inspires me. I approach the buildings as if they were living creatures and nourish from their experience.
Setenay Alpsoy grew up in Istanbul, one of the world's most populous cities, profoundly influencing her artistic perspective. The sheer scale and diversity of this metropolis of twenty million inhabitants have been a constant source of inspiration since her early days at the academy. Her decision to exclude human figures from the paintings is deliberate—it allows her to represent the collective human experience through architecture, structure, transformation, and reflection, rather than limiting the narrative to individual physical appearances.
Alpsoy constructed a "globally accepted urban landscape" independent of her particular location. This led to her international recognition. She relocated permanently to London, embracing the opportunity to continue her artistic exploration in this diverse and dynamic global hub.
ARTIST STATEMENT
EDUCATION
Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, Istanbul / Turkey (2006-2009)
MA, Painting, Insitute of Social Sciences
Thesis “Urban Landscape in Turkish Painting”
Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, Istanbul / Turkey (2001-2005)
BFA, Painting, Faculty of Fine Arts
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2023 "Seen In A New Light", J/M Gallery, London, UK
2021 "Familiar Facades", with Gökçen Ataman, Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2020 "Through The Transparent City", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2018 "The Visit", Selcuk Yasar Painting Museum and Art Gallery, Izmir, Turkey
2016 "Texture", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2014 "Defective Beauty", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2012 "Invisible City", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2010 "City Riven by The Sea", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2008 Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024 “INPRINT” The Old Parcels Office (OPO) Artspace, Scarborough, UK
2024 “125th Annual Exhibition of the Pastel Society” Mall Galleries, London, UK
2024 “Non-Inhabited Neighbourhoods”, Ahmet Yesil Art Gallery, Mersin, Turkey
2023 "Where Is The City?", YUNT Art and Interaction Space, Istanbul, Turkey
2023 "Social Housing Stories", The Tabernacle Theatre, London, UK
2023 "Where Are We", Maçka Art Gallery - Erimtan Archeology and Art Museum, Ankara, Turkey
2023 "Brave New World, Anew", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2022 "In a Multiple-Perspective", YARAT Contemporary Art Center, Baku, Azerbaijan
2022 "Passings VII: Forum", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2021 "The 25th Year", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2020 "The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize", Multiple locations in the UK
2020 Nuri Iyem Painting Award 15th Year Selection, Evin Art Gallery Yalikavak, Bodrum, Turkey
2019 ARTIST Istanbul Art Fair, Evin Art Gallery, TÜYAP, Istanbul, Turkey
2018 "Infinity and the Image", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2017 "Experience: A State of Leaving a Trace", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2016 "The 20th Year" Exhibition, Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2013 "Portraits", Evin Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2010 "Face to Face: Contemporary Engraving of Istanbul", Galatea Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
2009 "Art Education Transform", Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Tophane-i Amire Culture and Art Center, Istanbul, Turkey
2008 69th State Competition for Painting and Sculpture / Printing Competition, Istanbul, Turkey
2007 "Contemporary Interpretations In the Tradition of the Figure", Hotel Casa dell'Arte, Bodrum, Turkey
2006 32nd DYO Art Competition, Istanbul, Turkey
2005 ARTIST Istanbul Art Fair, Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts, TÜYAP, Istanbul, Turkey
2004 65th State Competition for Painting and Sculpture / Printing Competition, Istanbul, Turkey
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 Two drawings selected for the 25th Annual Exhibition of The Pastel Society, The Mall Galleries, London, UK
2021 Finalist, Sustainable Arts Foundation, USA
2020 Selected for 'The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize' exhibition, UK
2019 Works "IETT Blocks I" and "IETT Blocks II" selected for permanent collection, One Thousand Museum, Miami, USA
2005 2nd Prize, Turkish Heart Foundation Art Competition, Turkey
2005 Merit Award, Ipek & Ahmet Merey Art Contest, Turkey