Ekin BüyükşAhin

ABOUT

Ekin Büyükşahin, also known as Ekinakis (b. 1985, Ankara), lives and works in Izmir. She graduated from Bilkent University Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, Viola Department, in 2008. Her interest in visual arts—nurtured since childhood but kept in the background—intensified in 2013, leading her to focus on illustration and painting. Ekin’s works, incorporating acrylics, oil, watercolors, and digital techniques, are closely followed both in Turkey and internationally. In addition to her illustrations published in various publications, she is the author of a silent book titled The Man Who Likes Rain. Ekin continues her practice from her studio in Urla.


ARTIST STATEMENT

As Ekinakis, my work navigates the layered and often fragmented nature of human experience. Working in a figurative style, I explore themes of isolation, identity, and the complexities of emotion through minimalistic figures that gently invite viewers into a quiet, introspective space. With a palette of muted colors and textured elements, I hope to evoke a sense of subtle tension, mirroring the delicate balance between connection and solitude.

I view each piece as a moment for reflection, both for myself and for others, allowing space to consider the in...

1991 - 1996 Elementary School, Arı Collage, Ankara – Turkey.
1996 - 1997 Junior High School, Hacettepe University State Conservatory, Ankara, Turkey.
1997 - 2000 Junior High School, Bilkent University Music Preparatory School, Ankara – Turkey.
2000 - 2003 High School, Bilkent University Music Preparatory School, Ankara – Turkey.
2003 - 2004 English Language Preparatory Program (BUSEL), Bilkent University, Ankara – Turkey.
2004 - 2008 Bachelor of Music Degree (B.M), Viola, Bilkent University, Ankara – Turkey.

Group

2024, Uzakta Da Olsa, Taksim Art Gallery, Contemporary İstanbul 19th Edition, İstanbul, Turkey.
2024, Chi Art Gallery Collection, Chi Art Gallery, Art Weeks 10th Edition, İstanbul, Turkey.
2024, Mümkün, Chi Art Gallery, İstanbul, Turkey.
2024, Superpose, Unite, Ankara, Turkey.
2024, Elli Bir Doksan Dokuz, Unite, Ankara, Turkey.
2024, OYUN, Chi Art Gallery, İstanbul, Turkey.
2024, Breathscape, Lynn Modallal Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon.
2023, International Textile Biennial, Atlas Pavilion, İzmir, Turkey.
2023, The Gru Collection 3, Gru Art Gallery, İzmir, Turkey.
2022, Lustrum, Kun Art Space, Adana, Turkey.
2021, The Gru Collection, Gru Art Gallery, İzmir, Turkey.
2021, Intro, Gru Art Gallery, İzmir, Turkey.


Solo

2024, Room, Eskiiz Art Gallery, İzmir, Turkey.
2023, Person, Gru Art Gallery, İzmir, Turkey.
2021, Commune-Community-Communication, Gru Art Gallery, İzmir, Turkey.