Press

“FUTURISTIC, INNOVATIVE AND MYSTICAL”

Painter Seçil, who lives in England, creates works that embrace the integrity of the universe on large surfaces. Adding a success story that makes one proud to that of her life’s story by being shortlisted at the 253rd Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in 2021, the artist has recently exhibited her works on modularity, curated by Fatoş Üstek, under the roof of New York New Art Dealers Alliance submitting them to art lovers’ liking.

Interview: Zeynep Kun

Can we get to know you briefly? 

I am an artist originally from Istanbul living and working in London. I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies at Mimar Sinan University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Painting Department. My journey of the arts, which started in Türkiye, continued with exhibitions and residency programs in Europe and the United States. I had solo exhibitions at Galeri Zilberman and Milli Reasürans galleries in Istanbul. I have an art book published by Istanbul Museum of Graphic Arts Publishing House. I moved to England with my daughter in 2017. I opened my studio in London and I continue to work here. I received "Artist Business Development" training with London Creative Network and European Union scholarships and this training helped me to take my business up a notch.

How were you introduced to the art of painting?

I discovered my creativity, my interest in colour and design at a very early age, I was a child who loved maths and science. When I turned 16, I started taking drawing lessons and realised that there was a language through which I could express myself better. Thus, my decision to study at the Painting Department shaped my life and a wonderful journey began.

If you had to sum up your style in three words, what would they be?

According to art terminology, I can say that it could be listed under what we define as abstract painting under the title of Contemporary Art and is futuristic, innovative and mystical.

What kind of techniques do you use in your paintings, which themes do you work on?

My main technique is oil painting on canvas. I produce using basic elements of painting such as colour, light, layered and textured surfaces. The themes of my paintings centre upon life and existential questions in the context of our state of being in this universe. I like to focus on that which is beyond the physical realm, tap into consciousness and emphasise spiritual awareness. In my paintings, I try to convey different understandings and manifestations of life, as well as stories about concepts such as personal awareness, diversity, sustainability and boundaries. At this point, the most basic thing I am looking for is freedom, and for me the way to achieve it passes through where the arts and sciences meet with mysticism. Each of my works consists of energy fields that represent a range of emotions and ideas that have physical, mental and spiritual reflections. With the innovative paintings I produce, I try to show that it is possible to look at the world from a different angle, in a different way.

Could you tell us about your works exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts, Summer Exhibition in London?

In 2021, I was accepted to the 253rd Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. Organised under the coordination of Yinka Shinobare, the concept of the Summer Exhibition was "Reclaiming Magic”. 

My new collection "Universal Fragments", which I developed while I was in England, was suitable for this theme. This collection, which consists of layers of colour stacked on top of each other, consists of oil paintings on canvas with wide areas of colour that I produced in an expressionist style, far from the geometry observed in my previous works. The entire collection represents the inner liberation of the individual and the ties established with the whole universe. It has been a great honour for me to have the opportunity to exhibit this collection with artists such as Rose Wylie, Ai Wei Wei, Chantal Joffe, Anslem Keifer, Grayson Perry.

Finally, we heard that you have presented your works on modularity, curated by Fatoş Üstek, under the umbrella of the New York New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA). How was the exhibition, did it meet your expectations?

It was an exhibition that I enjoyed participating in, both in terms of content and team-wise. I participated in this exhibition organised by New York-based NADA with my modular works. Modular systems are a subject that I have focused on since the early periods. I have developed a work in which my paintings adapt to change in the face of ever-changing space and time. My work, which is presented here, consisted of pieces named “diptych”, which are suitable to be exhibited by changing their places.

Where can people who like your work get your artworks from?

My works can be obtained from the galleries where I work, mainly in England, Türkiye and Portugal. All details are available on my website. They can also get in touch with me by sending an e-mail via secilerelart.com or by visiting my @secilerelstudio Instagram account.

What are your projects for the future? 

Currently, I mostly work on my solo exhibitions in Istanbul and London. On the one hand, there are many group exhibitions, festivals and workshops that require me to travel. In addition to these, another project that excites me is the interactive installation called “Modular Infinity” that I have been working on for a long time. I work with a separate team on this work, which engages in an interactive dialogue with the audience, and I get support from the British Art Council. I am in talks with new names who will support the project and the team.

What is the reason behind you choosing London to live and work? Does the city have an impact on your business?

This is a bustling and vivid city! Of course, every corner is full of inspiration. The diversity in the city, the harmony and richness between its cultural, artistic and social layers, and the areas of freedom compared to many other places are very nourishing. Depending on my experience, I have come to the conclusion that London is an inspiring space that requires you to work hard, but at the same time gives you the freedom to reach whatever you want when you wake up every morning, to be whoever you want to be. As an artist, the spirit of this city and country fed me a lot, I think that I can express what I have gathered from where I come from, more freely here.

What was the last movie/book/event that impressed you the most?

I am watching “Avatar The Last Airbender” which is a cartoon series. It is a different pleasure to watch the series, which I had been watching at certain intervals since 2006, with my daughter this time. This gave me the opportunity to reconsider the discourses underlying the series. As a book, I am currently reading Katy Hessel's "The History of Art Without Man" and Hazrat Inhayat Khan's "Heart of the Sufism". Quite recently, I went to the Medicine Festival. At the festival, which offers areas where you can improve yourself in spiritual and personal growth, I participated in many activities ranging from concerts, panels, workshops, yoga classes to natural paint making workshop and a seminar on how we can communicate better with ourselves. Last October, I attended the Frieze Art Fair held in London Regents Park. There were fascinating works.

Are there events/persons that lend direction to your work or affect it?

Sure, there is a lot. For me, my work and my life have always been a whole. In this context, I can say that establishing spiritual, deep and long-term relationships and the value of experiences contribute greatly to my work. On top of that, if you do business with these people, wonders can happen. Therefore, I am open to business partnerships with many people. I believe that we are progressing by developing together and adding value to each other.

Do you travel often? 

Yes, and I'm actually looking forward to the days when I can travel even more in the future. As I love frequent and short trips, I also love travels where I can gather long-term inspiration, observe and produce. Each one broadens my horizons. The smells, lights, sounds, speech and conversation topics I have witnessed add colour and inspiration to my life. I learn a lot from my travels.

Do you have any special travel habits?

Mostly, I like travelling with a focus on art and artists. It is a pleasure for me to visit art centres, galleries and museums in the places I go, to have direct contact with the artists there, to chat, and sometimes even to participate in workshops together. I also sometimes travel for artist programs. The universal language of art makes me feel my own and expands my communication network.

If you could hop on a plane right now, where would you like to go?

There are many places to go, but the place that intrigues me the most is South America right now. I want to go to Peru, Brazil, Mexico as soon as possible and experience the energy, nature and culture of the Amazon Jungle and the Mayan Temple. However, if I'm going to take a plane right away, Egypt and Italy are at the top of my list, and then Cappadocia.

Are these your favourite places in the world?

I don't know if they are my favourite places in the world, but my favourite place to be in the world is my home, where my heart beats.