Haydar Ekinek

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 ...

- IAAF Istanbul Art and Antiques Fair, November 2023
- Bodrum Art Fair, June 2023
- Ankara Art Fair, Ankara, May 2023
- Solo exhibition at Idil Gallery, Istanbul, May 2023
- Ankara Art Fair, Ankara, May 2022
- IAAF Istanbul Antiques and Art Fair, Istanbul, November 2021
- "Memory" Solo exhibition, Idil Gallery, Istanbul, 2021
- Solo exhibition, Deyim Art Gallery, Istanbul, 2020
- "Red Socks" Solo exhibition, Tanevi Cultural Courtyard-Avlu art space, Istanbul, 2019
- Artankara Art Fair, Ankara, 2018
- Solo exhibition at The Galliard, Dubai, 2018
- Wildlife Touches International Art Exhibition, Greece, 2018
- Solo exhibition at Nişart Gallery, Istanbul, 2017
- Solo exhibition, R.C. Bilkent Gallery, Ankara, 2017
- Contemporary Arts, Ankara, 2017
- Solo exhibition at Gallery Apollon, Istanbul, 2017
- Solo exhibition at Esenboğa Airport, Ankara, 2017
- Solo exhibition at Galeri Idil, Istanbul, 2016
- Group exhibition at Lütfi Kırdar Congress Center, Istanbul, 2016
- Solo exhibition at Van Chamber of Commerce, 2016
- Solo exhibition at CKM Cultural Center, Istanbul, 2014
- Solo exhibition at Deyim Art Gallery Istanbul, 2013
- Group exhibition in Ankara Sıhhiye, February 2012
- Besiktas-Istanbul Solo exhibition at Bahçeşehir University, M...