Merve Gürlek

My connection with nature has been the fundamental source of inspiration for my works since the moment I first picked up a pen in my childhood. I grew up in the forests and in our home's small garden; my admiration for nature, wildlife and animals took root here. Over time, this interest merged with my curiosity about wildlife biology and mythology, transforming into a powerful narrative language in my works. In my works, animal figures are not merely visual representations; they are symbolic beings that question the visible and invisible boundaries we establish between humans and animals. These boundaries, shaped by science, mythology and belief systems, are reconsidered in my works, sometimes blurred, and confront the viewer with this reality: We too are living beings that are part of this fragile world. Thanks to my original technique that is layered and changes from different angles, light, color and form continuously transform on the surface; the work ceases to be a fixed image and becomes a living visual experience. This approach translates nature's dynamic structure and the continuity of existence into a visual language. My works are shaped around themes of nature, instinct, intuition, transformation and universal balance, primarily including the "Birds Series" consisting of over 200 pieces.

Merve Gürlek is a graduate of Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts, Industrial Design Department. In her artistic productions, she brings together design discipline with intuitive expression. Her art practice has developed around nature observations, wildlife biology, mythology and symbolism. Her works centering on animal figures combine contemporary art language with conceptual depth. Her unique layered paint technique and the perceptual effect that changes from different angles are the distinctive features of her works. This technique establishes a dynamic and living relationship between the viewer and the artwork. The Birds Series, consisting of over 200 works, is one of the artist's most comprehensive and high-collection-value production areas. She continues to work on her new series called METANOIA and her works in her studio.

> Her works were exhibited in international art events held in Paris. > She participated in various group exhibitions and art organizations both domestically and abroad. > The works she produced within the scope of the Birds Series are followed with interest by collectors and art audiences.