Meltem Şahin
About
Born in Marmaris in 1989, he lives and works in Istanbul.
2016, Maryland Institute College of Art, Art Department, MFA in Illustration Practice
2012, Bilkent University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Graphic Design
While swimming in the sea of imagination, artists collect all signifiers consciously or unconsciously, and then what is produced spreads from within the artist to the sea, which makes it possible to make other imagery. While Şahin believes that all artists' filters are unique, according to the French philosopher Marleau Ponty, these filters come from within the artist: a painter does not choose a style, but that style comes as an intrinsic part of the work or its nature. Şahin feels the same way while doing his work. It reveals something that is already challenging him, like a continuation of his body, like a limb of his time, like a reflection on his cultural patterns...
As an artist who grew up in Turkey, she examines the idealized beauty of the West, while examining the East's commemoration of imperfect and temporary beauties. Since his childhood, Şahin has been more inclined towards the East, but has been interested in the strangeness of the universe, the beauty in its details and the melancholy of the passing time. With his illustrations, instead of creating humane and sensitive figures, he tries to create a language that does not fully imitate the continuation of real life, alienates people from their own formations and entertains them.
Thanks to her inquisitive nature, she strives to explore new areas she has never been in before. For example, 3 years ago he started learning to use digital production tools such as 3D printers and laser-cutters to provide electronic assistance to artists. Thanks to this new media, it produces electronic or mechanical toys that create optical illusions. Regardless of its technique, animation, ceramics, or toy; His works belong to a universe where neon-colored people float in space. Whether it's hermaphrodite or androgynous, it will invite you to this mysterious experience. It will make the audience feel pain while at the same time enjoying it and allowing them to instinctively possess their essence.