Pioneer abstract sculptor displays his latest work in Istanbul gallery

Sculptor Abdülkadir Öztürk opened a new exhibition featuring his latest paintings and sculptures at Neva Art Gallery last Friday.

The artist offered insights to the exhibition, saying that his work blends the values of ancient times with contemporary art in order to describe the phases that mankind go through in their lifespan. Adding that a selection of 94 of his art works is currently on display at the Neva Art Gallery, artist Öztürk said: "Contemporary art provides self-confidence to the artist. I wanted to transfer the traces of ancient culture into my sculptures and paintings. I also hid pieces of chaos and thoughts of the modern man in my artwork; Then, I finish my art according to aesthetic forms and turn it into something visual."

Öztürk also touched upon the hardships of being a sculptor and said: "Being a sculptor in Turkey is not a very easy job. It is very difficult both financially and physically. You cannot live in the city. You have to rent a workshop and find a gallery that will display your work. I cannot just hand my work over to the hands of people that I do not know. I carry every piece myself. Despite all, the artist has to stand for his/her art. If you do not have commitment and love for what you do, you cannot go on. I love displaying my work after all these struggles."

Öztürk uses nails and wood in different forms to create extraordinary sculptures. In his work, the artist usually takes his inspiration from the daily life in Anatolia. Öztürk stated that the effects of the tales that he listened to when he was a child can be seen in his work, adding: "I love to create sculptures from almost every material; however, I mostly use bronze, stone and wooden materials. My forms become one with the aesthetic of these materials the most. I love creating things with these materials," he said.

The main theme in Öztürk's paintings is usually portraits reflecting the problems of modern days. On the other hand, Öztürk's sculptures mirror the values that have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.

Öztürk, who is one of the pioneers of abstract sculpture, presents different forms and designs in each of his exhibitions. Öztürk's latest exhibition at the Neva Art Gallery will stay open until Dec. 31 at the gallery's showroom in Nişantaşı, Istanbul. The exhibition can also be toured via the official website of the Neva Art Gallery.