Thirty Three: Torture Collage

Elif Akcali's current art focuses on mostly paper to develop 2D and 3D pieces as well as site-specific installations that are contemporary and abstract. Much of her work is deeply rooted in the rich history and the dualities of the cultural environment of her native Turkey. Her early education in piano and formal training in industrial and systems engineering influence the geometric shapes, hidden structures, and repeating patterns in her work. Akcali's artistic talent was discovered in her early childhood. She started her classical training in piano at the age of four that continued through elementary school. Although her parents encouraged her to further develop her talent in the State Conservatory of Turkey, she decided to enroll in a high school with mathematics and science oriented curriculum to prepare herself for a degree in engineering. Eventually, she obtained a Ph.D. in industrial engineering. As she progressed in her academic career, her interest in the arts re-emerged through visual arts. Akcali's interest is in abstract work that be constructed following an analytical approach departing from an emotional intimate space. The resulting imagery is simple but intriguing, inviting the viewers to see her inner world observing, reflecting upon, interpreting, and responding to the world around her.