Leyla Pekmen

Leyla Pekmen is a contemporary artist living and working in Istanbul. Born and raised in Turkey, Pekmen found her passion for painting at a young age, spending a majority of her time immersed within her neighbor’s art studio. Today her works are bold and expressive, often utilizing color blocking and pointillism to create framing and texture. Most of Pekmen’s practice centers around concepts of combining life’s simple pleasures with that of whimsy and storytelling. Themes around nature, landscapes and travel are dropped into a fantastical narrative, often exploring the ideas of memory and comfort. She finds inspiration in Ottoman miniatures, often utilizing their influence in her paintings to create an enriching narrative. Her paintings revolve around creating this narrative scene reflecting her identity as a storyteller.

Pekmen exhibited in her first solo show in Istanbul in 202l and also has participated in international female group shows in California, Beijing, and Amsterdam.

Exhibitions

2024
Deep Dream, Voltz Clarke Gallery, New York

2023
I’d Rather be Here, Online Solo Show, Legion Projects, California
Dynamic Character, Group Show, The Wall Art Gallery, Istanbul
Brilliant Waters, Online Solo Show, Johansson Projects, California
Carpe Urbem, Group Show, Bon Vivant, Izmir
Online Group Show, Clamour Art China, Beijing

2022
Cloaked, Online Group Show, Fouryou Gallery