Nude Painting

Haydar Ekinek (b. 1967, Van) Haydar Ekinek is an internationally recognized artist known for his distinctive "Nail Technique," a method he pioneered by painting using nails instead of traditional brushes. Born in the Çomaklı village of Van, Turkey, Ekinek’s artistic journey began in his childhood, where he created his earliest drawings on the walls of village tandoors. This elemental beginning laid the foundation for his signature style, which has since earned him the moniker, "The Picasso of the East." After completing his education in Van, where he received numerous awards, Ekinek moved to Istanbul to advance his career. While balancing familial responsibilities, he worked as a professional sign painter—a period that honed his discipline and visual precision. Eventually, he transitioned to fine art full-time, establishing his own studio to fully explore his unique medium. Ekinek’s body of work largely focuses on the female form and emotional landscape. He utilizes his nail technique to create textured, evocative portrayals of women, often incorporating diverse spatial elements. Unafraid of controversy, his stylistic approach to nudity and emotion is widely regarded as a bold expression of the human condition. Today, Ekinek works out of his atelier in Karamürsel near Yalova in Türkiye. His works are exhibited globally, with a strong presence in galleries across Australia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Dubai.