Asya Alpay was born in Istanbul, Türkiye in 1994. She lives between Istanbul and Datça – in Southern Turkey, working at her home studio in Istanbul and her main atelier in Datça. Although she grew up in artistic circles thanks to her artist aunt, she is a self taught artist.
How did you get into art?
I originally graduated with an English degree and art was exclusively about appreciation for me in my early adult years. A while after I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, my therapist suggested I try a form of art where I can express myself. I walked into an art store, bought the most basic acrylic equipment and when I got home to start my first painting, I was instantly overrun with creativity that felt like it had been there my whole life. It felt like second nature to express that creativity on canvas. And I have been working the same way ever since – I simply find ways and new ways to put the overflowing creativity onto my medium.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
I know a lot of amazing artists who create meticulous, beautiful work. And of course, I do have an idea of where I want to go with a painting before beginning the painting process, but what I have embraced is that life, emotions, experiences are fickle. So I take a lot of unexpected turns – sometimes U-turns – during my painting process, in a way, mimicking life itself. That, to me, feels genuine, and that authenticity resonates very well with my audience. It’s sort of like an element of surprise that dazzles my viewers.
How do you go about developing your work?
I have two work stations – one is a dedicated space in my apartment in Istanbul, and the other is a fully equipped, spacious atelier in Datça, with a sea view and natüre and all things beautiful. Over time, I have realized that the limited space in Istanbul mimics a sense of limited time, and I usually undertake quicker, swifter, maybe bolder projects when I am working there. Datça is a whole different story – a simple painting can take triple the normal completion time when your canvas has a view of the sea and the pasture. I love both of my working spaces and at the end of the day, I think both are a vessel for me to create amazing art.
Who or what influences you?
My aunt is a prominent artist and her art has always been a great influence on me. If I had to point at a single work, even though my own work is purely abstract, Almond Blossoms by Vincent van Gogh soothes and mesmerizes me like magic. I have a copy on my living room wall, as a wall tapestry, as postcards…
Make us curious. What is planned next?
I want to grow as an international artist. I have the date for my first solo show for January 2025, I have several upcoming international shows, and I intend to participate in more. And if we’re shooting to the stars, maybe I could be the pioneer of the decoration of the International Space Station? Most importantly, I want to keep working hard, stay creative and make amazing art.
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