Ayşe Akalın Yalçındağ
Unbound Expression
With a soul that resists confinement and a brush guided by intuition, Ayşe Akalın Yalçındağ invites us into a world where rebellion is tender, and freedom is sacred. A self-taught artist who has walked the path of creativity alone, Ayşe paints not only what she sees but what she feels—what resists being named. Her works echo the emotional complexity of existence: protest and peace, sorrow and hope, memory and possibility.
In this exclusive interview, the artist speaks candidly about her deep connection to nature, her love for humanity, and her evolving journey of artistic self-discovery. From her expressive figuration to her symbolic use of color and space, Ayşe shares how her art is both a personal liberation and a social voice. Whether capturing the stillness of birds or the vastness of infinity, she remains rooted in one essential truth: that the search for freedom—inner and outer—must never end.
Contemporary Art
Turkey
Interview
Your works focus on the “freedom of the soul” and the necessity of free choice. How do you translate these philosophical ideas into your artistic practice, and what role does freedom play in your creative process?
"Yes, I am a self-taught artist. Throughout this journey, I have read extensively and done a great deal of research to understand the intricacies and fundamentals of painting. This allowed me to answer many inner questions: Where am I? Am I on the right path? I never had the opportunity to learn from a master, so I’ve always walked this path alone. As you can see from the transitions in my paintings, I am still in search."
As an expressionist artist, you convey emotions such as rebellion, pain, joy, and sorrow through abstract forms and vivid color. How do you decide which emotions to explore in a particular piece, and how do you choose the colors and forms to express them?
"Working figuratively has always been the most powerful way for me to express myself. It's like a mirror—something deeply reflective."
Your deep love for nature, animals, and all living beings clearly resonates through your works. How does this humanistic perspective influence your choice of themes, and how do you balance the representation of nature with the exploration of human emotion?
"Photorealistic works are actually very painful to create. But if the outcome satisfies you, that feeling is your reward—because it carries a strong visual claim."
Your art reflects a kind of "naïve rebellion" against limitations. Can you share how a personal or societal struggle inspired a particular piece and how you transformed that rebellion into creative expression?
"This subject is entirely personal—about me and my life. It’s about someone who loves and defends freedom, yet often feels trapped or restricted in many ways, constantly striving to reach that freedom."
What has it been like to share your artistic knowledge and practice with others in a teaching or mentoring role?
"I wouldn’t exactly call it teaching. I became the head of my own studio—you might say more of a mentor. Sharing my knowledge and experience, especially when I see it resonating with others, nourishes me deeply. It has many benefits for creativity."
You describe yourself as an artist who defies boundaries and champions freedom. How do you challenge artistic or social limitations through your work, and what does true artistic freedom mean to you?
"I organized three exhibitions in support of street children. They are very special to me. I worked with them for five years, and it was an incredibly joyful experience. I could not have felt the role of art in social change more profoundly."
Have you experienced a transformative or meaningful moment in your artistic development—one that significantly impacted your path? Were there people, environments, or moments that deeply influenced you?
"Being part of Nas Art brought me true illumination. Especially being with my dear Nasrah Nefer carried me from darkness to light. I am grateful for creating with her together."
Your paintings open a window into the emotional depths of the human soul. How do you navigate your own inner world while creating, and how do you ensure your personal experiences resonate universally with viewers?
"Of course, there is protest in my paintings—and there must be. We try to express our views through our barrels, our colors, and our figures."
How has your artistic style evolved over the course of your career, and what experiences or influences have most shaped your current expressive approach?
"I started with watercolors. In fact, my first theme was entirely focused on birds—seagulls, doves, sparrows, and so on. Later, I transitioned into oil painting as well. The works where I express my love for nature and animals nourish me in a very special way."
Your works seem to advocate for freedom, self-expression, and a deeper connection between nature and humanity. Do you consider your art a form of activism, and if so, what kind of impact do you hope to make on viewers and society?
"Let them know that the search will never end. Let them listen to their inner voice and reflect it in their art—first and foremost for themselves. And let them do it without giving up, despite all difficulties. "
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