Bio | Gülfidan Özmen

Gulfidan Ozmen started her art practice in the family of fine arts graduated parents.

Completed her art education in Istanbul Fine Arts High School-Painting Department and Mimar Sinan University, Fine Arts Faculty, Ceramic and Glass Department, with an MFA degree.

Her glass practice started in university with her apprenticeship in Sisecam, Beykoz Glass Factory. Since 1999 she’s working with glass. She had been a part of multiple installation projects with national and international artists in Turkey and abroad and worked as an assistant with several glass artists.

She had also experienced architectural glass art practices and the glass tile industry. She worked in product development and production processes In Eczacibasi Group, VitrA Tiles.

She gave lectures at her graduate university (MSGSU) and instructed workshops in Pera Museum and her own studio.

Contrasts of the material and color were the strongest highlights of her early period artworks. Questioning the materials’ reflex as an optic impression with inspirations of architecture and nature.

Following years, she continued her artworks by reflecting on her drawing and printing practices on glass and 3D forms. She combined glass and paperwork studies in her artworks and create a layer effect in 2D studies by using transparency and opacity of glass.

Her recent artworks are very much related to a relationship between space, object, and scale. Techniques and materials may vary depending on her expressions. She always aims to realize her perception of naked structures inspired by architecture, archeology, and nature.

In her practice, the process also becomes an important focal point as much as work itself. Her techniques of forming glass are correlated with archeological processes and embrace different production techniques in one piece of artwork.

Born in Istanbul in 1978

EDUCATION

2010 MFA, MSGSU, Ceramic and Glass Design Department, Istanbul, Turkey
Thesis Title: “Op Art and Contemporary Glass Art”
Thesis Advisor: Asistant Prof. Irfan Aydın

2000 BFA, MSGSU, Ceramic and Glass Design Department, Istanbul, Turkey

1995 Istanbul Fine Arts High School, Painting Department, Turkey

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2012 “Visual Memory II” Kiziltoprak Art Gallery, Istanbul

2011 “Visual Memory” Galatea Art Gallery, Istanbul

2010 “Silhouettes” Ormo Art Gallery, Istanbul

2009 “Optical Impressions” Enka Dr. Vickers Art Gallery, Istanbul

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2020 “Artvital” Multidisciplinary Online Exhibition.

2019 “Onsekiz Ondokuz” VBenzeri Mekan, Istanbul

2019 “Following Troia” Istanbul Archeology Museum, Darphane-i Amire, Istanbul

2017 “Across the Line”, British Council, AltCity Istanbul, Zorlu Digi.logue Space, Istanbul

2016 “Art in Museum” Armaggan Art and Design Gallery, Museum Hotel, Cappadocia

2015 “20th Years Exhibition” Kiziltoprak Art Gallery, Istanbul

2014 “States of Material 2” Armaggan Art and Design Gallery, Istanbul

2013 “Spectra: Glass Works”, Clark Gallery, Lincoln, MA, USA

2013 “+1 Glass” Lincoln Arts Project, Waltham, MA, USA

2013 “Themeless/Contactless 3” Gallery ilayda, Istanbul

2012 “Art 7/24” Armaggan Art and Design Gallery, Istanbul

2012 “Themeless/Contactless 2” Gallery ilayda karakoy, Istanbul

2012 “womenly-cases of women” Halikarnassos Cultural Center, Bodrum-Muğla

2012 “Themeless/Contactless” Gallery ilayda, Istanbul

2012 “armaggan, young output-one” Armaggan Art and Design Gallery, Istanbul

2011 “Invisible Cities” Floating World Projects, The Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston, USA

2011 “Interception”, Bir Nokta Art Gallery, Istanbul

2011 “Enerji’k Bakıs” , Istanbul Modern Arts Gallery, Istanbul

2010 L’viv 8^th International Blown Glass Symposium Final Exhibition. L’viv National Museum, Ukraine

2010 “Liselim” Tophane-i Amire, Istanbul

2010 Museum of Glass, Red Hot Juried Auction, Tacoma Washington, USA

2010 The Anatolian Enlightenment of Art, Besiktas Contemporary Art Gallery, Istanbul.

2009 Ormo Art Gallery, “Başlangıç” Istanbul

2008 Eskişehir Contemporary Glass Art Museum Collection, Antalya

2008 Eskişehir Contemporary Glass Art Museum Collection, Izmir

2007 Eskişehir Contemporary Glass Art Museum, Eskisehir

2007 Contemporary Turkish Glass Artists, Anadolu University – Eskisehir

2005 Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Ceramic and Glass Department, 75. Students Exhibition, Istanbul

FAIRS

2013 Contemporary’13, International Art Fair, Armaggan Art & Design Gallery, Istanbul

2012 Contemporary’12, International Art Fair, Ilayda Sanat Galerisi, Istanbul

2012 Art Expo Arezzo, International Art Fair. Neo Art Gallery, Italy

2010 “Artist”, International Art Fair, with Enka Dr. Vickers Art Gallery, Istanbul

2009 Contemporary’09, International Art Fair, with Arda Art Gallery, Istanbul

ARTIST TALKS
2021 “MSGSU-VitrA Ceramic Art Studio” with Yesim Zumrut. (Online)
2020 “Tasarım Parkı” talking about art practices, with Sanel San (Online)
2019 Artist Talk at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Fine Arts Faculty, Canakkale.
2019 Artist Talk at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Ceramic and Glass Department.Istanbul

AWARDS/ GRANTS/ SCHOLARSHIPS/FELLOWSHIPS

2018 WheatonArts, Creative Glass Center of America Fellow

Turkish Cultural Foundation, 2018 Cultural Exchange Fellow

2016 Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Travel Grant

2013 Turkish Cultural Foundation, 2013 Cultural Exchange Fellow

The Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Travel Grant

2012 Rotary Art Prize, catalog selection

2010 Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Travel Grant

RESIDENCIES & WORKSHOPS

2018 “MSGSU – VitrA Ceramic Arts Studio Programme”, Istanbul, TR

2018 WheatonArts, Creative Glass Center of America Fellowship, Millville, NJ, USA

2018 “The Creative Enterprise Programme” British Council, Atölye, Istanbul, TR

2017 “AltCity Istanbul” British Council Digital Arts Residency, Istanbul, TR

2016 “Open Studio Residency” Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Deer Isle, ME, USA

2013 “GlassBoston” Glass Conference. Boston, MA, USA

2011 Floating World Projects, Workshop program; Boston, MA, USA

2010 L’viv 8th International Blown Glass Symposium. L’viv, Ukraine

2010 Floating World Projects, Istanbul, TR. Workshop program

2002 Glass Furnace, Istanbul. ‘Kiln Casting’, ‘Sand Casting’ workshop with Sallie Portnoy artist assistant

2002 Glass Furnace, Istanbul. “Mixed Media” workshop with Therman Statom

COMMISSIONED WORKS

2018 Residence in Dikili. Architectural glass project.

2016 Meyer Objects, paperwork for edition

2012 MP Construction, Renaissance Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul
Giclee Digital Prints and Glassworks

COLLECTIONS

MSGSU – VitrA Ceramic Art Studio, Turkey.

Museum of American Glass, Millville, NJ, USA.

Cengiz Akıncı Collection, Turkey.

Yalcin Ayasli Collection, Turkey.

Yılmaz Yalcinkaya Collection, Turkey.

L’viv National Museum Collection, Ukraine.

Artam Collection, Turkey.

Eskisehir Contemporary Glass Art Museum Collection, Turkey.

PUBLICATIONS

Ayers, Elaine. Quarantine Herbarium, 2020. https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1XhXEZDwUqOlVc8wHgQb38ic8O08J4e0j

Gucluturk, Fem. Maison Française, January 2016:49, Page: 112 (Review)

“A Studio and Two Sisters”, Art’ı Mekan, 2014:45, Page:118, 119, 120

Hız, Dilhan. “Silhouettes behind glass with Gülfidan Özmen” Focus Jan – Feb 2011: 23, Page: 80, 81, 82.

Yanık, Figen. “Urban Reflections in Glass”, Sabah daily newspaper, 26th December 2010

Faces/Hundreds of Istanbul – 100 Glass Artist in Istanbul. Gültekin Çizgen. Page 34.

Best of Worldwide Glass Artists Vol.1. Kennedy Publishing. Page 112.

Creativ, 2009:22, Page: 8-9. (Review)

Tasarım, Review of Architecture Interior Design and Visual Arts, 2009:191, Page: 46.

Kohler, Lucartha Women Working In Glass Schiffer Publishing Ltd. 2003:186.

Turkish Ceramic Society VI. International Ceramic Congress, Sakarya
PATE DE VERRE AND VITROMASS IN GLASS FORMING Page:23 2006: 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460.

TEACHING

2022 TA, Pilchuck Glass School, Session 4, Stanwood, Seattle, USA

2015 In Studio, “Silk Screen Printing on Paper” workshops, Istanbul, TR

2015 Pera Museum, “Silk Screen Printing on Wood” workshops, Istanbul, TR

2014 Pera Museum, “Silk Screen Printing on Wood” workshops, Istanbul, TR

2014 Pera Museum, “Warhol Totes” screen printing workshops, Istanbul, TR

2014 Pera Museum, “Glass Within Glass” mixed media glass workshops, Istanbul, TR

2013 Pera Museum, “One in Three” screen printing workshops, Istanbul, TR

2013 Pera Museum, “Ole! Pop Art” screen printing workshops, Istanbul, TR

2008-2014 Lecturer in Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Ceramic and Glass Department, Istanbul, TR

2008 Workshop, “glass and kiln formed techniques”, Akdeniz University, Ceramic Department, Antalya, TR

2006 Seminar, “kiln formed techniques and Vitromass”, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Ceramic and Glass Department, Istanbul, TR

OTHER ACTIVITIES

2015 Product and design advisor in Valens Mosaics, Istanbul, TR

2011 – 2015 Art advisor in Ferer – pigments and colors company, Istanbul, TR

2008 – 2014 Lecturer in MSGSU, Ceramic and Glass Design Department about ‘Contemporary Glass Art’, Istanbul, TR

2004 – 2012 Vitra Tiles, Glass Tile Department; full-time positions as Product Development Specialist, Chief of Production and Product Development Advisor, Istanbul, TR

2003 Therman Statom Studio, Escondido – San Diego, USA. Artist Assistant
Glass Museum Gernheim, Germany – Stories from the Wesser instalation.
Mesa Contemporary Arts Center, USA – Reflexiones en el Agua installation.
Pilchuck Glass School, USA – artist assistant in kids workshop.
Penland School of Crafts, USA – artist assistant.

2003 Cenan Uyanusta Studio, Istanbul. Artist Assistant

2002 Cam Mühendislik Ltd. Istanbul. Designer. Glass Furnace, Istanbul. (Fusing Studio, hot shop)

2001 Schott Desag AG, Grunenplan, Germany. Residency in factory studio. (1 month)

2000 – 2002 Füzyon Teknik Ltd., Istanbul. Fusing glass design and application.

1999 Gioela Suardi ceramic art studio; Bergamo, Italy (3 months)

1998 Şişecam Paşabahçe Hot shop, Istanbul. Aprenticeship with glass master Yusuf Görmüş (3 months)

Residencies-Workshops

MSGSU_VitrA Ceramic Arts Studio Residency 2018

Color body porcelain, 1200ºC1 Color body porcelain, 1200ºC2 Color body porcelain, 1200ºC, 17 x 9,5 x 4 cm. 20183

Dr. Nejat F. Eczacıbaşı established the VitrA Ceramic Arts Studio in 1957, with the goal of encouraging ceramic artists and public appreciation of this medium. Over the years, the VitrA Ceramic Arts Studio has opened its doors to a large number of young and talented ceramic artists, organized public exhibitions of their work, and hosted master classes, conferences, slide shows and workshops on ceramic art.

In January 2012, VitrA signed a protocol with the Division of Ceramic and Glass Design at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts (MSGSÜ) that aims to contribute to the artistic development of university students and enrich their perspectives by providing them opportunities to work side by side with internationally acclaimed ceramic artists. As part of the agreement, MSGSÜ and VitrA invite four guest artists every year – two from Turkey and two from abroad – to work at the studio. During this period, VitrA and the university jointly organize ceramic art workshops at the university, and at the end of the year, MSGSÜ exhibits the artists’ work in the university’s historic building in Tophane, Istanbul. The VitrA Ceramic Arts Studio is a member of the Geneva-based International Academy of Ceramics (IAC).

WheatonArts_CGCA Fellowship 2018

Construct in Clear, 15 x 12 x 7 cm. Enamel from self drawings and kiln formed glass, 20181 Stairs to Gold, 26 x 53 x 5,5 cm. Ink sketch on paper together with kiln formed glass and found glass objects, wall installation, 20182 Construct in Gold, 12 x 8 x 6 cm. Kiln formed gold tinted glass, 20183 4 Kiln formed clear glass, 7x6x11 cm. 20185 Kiln formed clear glass composition 10,5x10x20,5 cm., 14x5x9,5 cm. 20186 Balance in Gold, Kiln formed Glass and Gold, 20187 Gold Element, Kiln formed Glass, Blown Forms, 2018 8 3D Sketch for Sand, 20189 10 11 12

About CGCA Fellowship;

The CGCA at WheatonArts offers fellowships to artists working in glass and has serviced glass artists and the arts community for over thirty years. Over 300 professional and emerging artists have been recipients of a CGCA fellowship, from the U.S. and over 26 foreign countries. Artists are encouraged to use their fellowships to develop and refine their work, while experimenting with both traditional and innovative glassmaking processes.

The CGCA Fellowship Program provides 24-hour studio facilities, technical resources, housing and a stipend; allowing artists the opportunity to spend a concentrated period of time devoted exclusively to their work. Many emerging artists have used the Fellowships as a stepping-stone to a successful career. For mid-career artists, it offers an opportunity to redefine direction and renew creative energy. The collaboration and exchange of ideas among the Fellows enhances a productive climate, supporting the discovery of new vision and resources for each.

In 2018, the CGCA will offer 3-month fellowships from April 18 – July 18.
Only artists who have never been through the program may apply for three- month sessions. During their Fellowships, artists have the use of private studios and excellent facilities within a respectful sanctuary of concentrated time.

key words of my creative process; balance, archeological sites, primitive habitat, archi-sculpture, architecture, structure, archi-structure, useless structures, elements in space, geometric formation, nowhere, organic methodology, constructed memories, mental space, poetic set of light, texture

Across the Line – ALTCITY ISTANBUL 2017

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Night Walk – Light and Reflection … collaboration with Zeynep Budak…projection mapping on 3 x 11 x 24.5 cm kiln formed opaque-clear glass, exhibited on mirror covered iron pedestal (19 x 24 x 110 cm), 2017

As in many other metropolises, Istanbul, the city we live in, snatches us away from nature. Although we may be unaware towards it, we still have one natural thing that is very precious – the light. Without light, it’s impossible for us to maintain our existence and cyclical rituals. In a metropolis, the light is not limited to the sun as it is in nature. We continuously illuminate our buildings, streets and every moment of our lives.

In their work “Night Walk”, the artists examine the relationship between the city and the light through images of buildings, reflections and light symbols – the elements most frequently fond in metropolises. A shared perspective of an architect and a glass artist.

AltCity Istanbul is a digital arts residency, bringing artists from Turkey into creative collaboration to explore uses of creative technology to learn new methodologies and produce artwork that engage and speak to the fabric and communities of the city.

It is aimed to be a catalyst for improving the awareness of digital art for artists in Turkey, and their ability to make and collaborate on digital art projects for now and the future.

AltCity Istanbul is a partnership project by the British Council and Digi.logue , an interactive platform supported by Zorlu Holding and Zorlu Performing Arts Center to accelerate digital transformation and is produced by Quays Culture , Salford Quays based digital arts producers.

Artistic lead of the residency are Squidsoup , a UK based digital arts group, who specalise in digital media and light art.

Haystack_Open Studio Residency 2016

Elements in Space, 16x48x13 cm, carved driftwood and brass, 20161 Elements in Space, 16x48x13 cm, carved driftwood and brass, 20162 detail of Elements in Space, 16x48x13 cm, carved driftwood and brass, 20163 On the Edge, 18x18x8 cm, carved driftwood and copper, 20164 On the Edge, 18x18x8 cm, carved driftwood and copper, 20165 Untitled, 16x20x9.5 cm, carved driftwood and copper, 20166 Lovers' Leap (Stairs to Nowhere), 17x72x18 cm, Carved and partly painted drift wood and copper, 20167 Detail from Lovers' Leap (Stairs to Nowhere), 17x72x18 cm, Carved and partly painted drift wood and copper, 20168 Detail from Lovers' Leap (Stairs to Nowhere), 17x72x18 cm, Carved and partly painted drift wood and copper, 20169

Haystack’s Open Studio Residency provides two weeks of studio time and an opportunity to work in a supportive community of makers. The program accommodates approximately 50 participants—from the craft field and other creative disciplines—who will have uninterrupted time to work in six studios studios (ceramics, fiber, graphics, iron, jewelry, and wood) to develop ideas and experiment in various media.

My inspiration themes for the residency are architecture, costructional studies, mixed media, geometry, constructed memories, mental space, organic methodology, geometric formation of elements in space.

Floating World Projects_Invisible Cities 2010 / 2011

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Floating World Projects’ current project examines cross-cultural collaboration between Turkish and American artists working in a broad range of mediums. Over the past four years, we have forged relationships with visual artists and musicians in Istanbul with the goal of producing a project based on international artistic partnership. The aim of the project is to explore the many aspects of cross-cultural identity through visual and audio collaboration. The Project consists of four components: collaborative visual artwork, a video component, a series of audio recordings and a multi-media exhibition.
In the summer of 2011, glass artists Ayse Balyemez, Hande Buyukatli and Gulfidan Ozmen traveled to Boston to participate in a residency at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. With Leo, James and Oben Abright they visited New York City for inspiration, later developing silkscreened glass pieces that combine imagery from the city as well as references to Istanbul.
For more information on FWP and upcoming projects, please visit: FWP

L’viv 8th International Blown Glass Symposium 2010

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