painter Layla PekmenBorn in Izmir, Turkey in 1977 and now based in Istanbul, she is known for her brightly colored and jubilant narrative paintings inspired by Ottoman miniature works. Curious, her playful figure navigates through Turkey’s nature-based, dreamy terrain.
Pekmen utilizes color blocking and stippling to create nostalgic framing and textures. Whether swaying on the waves or navigating the lake, we are all invited into the landscape and drawn into her fantastical tales. Pecumen often incorporates supernatural elements that blend fantasy motifs with her childhood innocence. There is a story in every corner, and a fresh story unfolds every time you see it. Her protected magical lands take on a humanistic quality in how our memories and influences influence the way we view the physical environment we occupy. Reminiscent of her postcards, the scenic style of her paintings captures memory like a setting for joy and adventure.
At this exhibition, brilliant watersis the first show of the Johansson Project’s online summer program and includes paintings made of acrylic on canvas with a focus on storytelling. It will be held online until August 20, 2023, while the Johansson Projects brick and mortar gallery undergoes a seismic retrofit. The gallery is scheduled to reopen in autumn 2023.
