Sevda Uykan
Sevda Uykan’s bold, vividly coloured artworks reflect her cosmopolitan background
Born into a Serbian family in Istanbul, artist Sevda Uykan grew up juggling two cultures, one liberal and the other conservative, and that has profoundly influenced her work. ‘For me, art is about freedom and power,’ she explains. ‘There should be no restrictions. But, inevitably, what was judged culturally acceptable in my circle was often not in wider Turkish society.
‘That made me something of a rebel and my painting, which primarily focuses on the female experience, reflects that desire to challenge commonly held perceptions. If we don’t dare to ask questions, then that is the point where control and limitations start.’
Sevda moved to London five years ago and lives in Chiswick. ‘My passion for art comes from my father; he taught me to draw and paint. My signature style is to use acrylic on canvas and then add pieces of embroidery; I learned that from my mother, so it’s lovely to combine skills passed on by both my parents.’
During lockdown Sevda won a virtual competition organised by the Saatchi Gallery (Saatchi Takeover), she exhibited at the Brick Lane Gallery’s prestigious Contemporary Art Exhibition last November and, for the past two years, her paintings have been winners at the Turkish Community Art Exhibition.
Recently, Sevda has also published a book of her artwork, an art-meets-mindfulness colouring book and two beautifully illustrated children’s books, Mila’s Rainbow and A Happy Dog London (all are available on Amazon). Sevda’s paintings can be seen on her website/social media and she is happy to arrange viewings and accept commissions.
Sevda Uykan
sevdauykan@gmail.com
https://www.sevdauykan.com