Samuray Akarvardar

For me, drawing and painting human body is a way of communication. The process helps me organize my feelings, settle my thoughts and resolve my conflicts about life. I work in series of works, which is a platform where the viewer is invited to be inspired and excited.

I was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey. I have a PhD. degree in geophysics and worked as a researcher in Turkey and France. In 2007, I moved to the USA and decided to focus solely on my art. I have attended various art classes and studios over the years. Meryem Arica and Michael Azgour were the most significant art instructors in developing my artistic view. Since 2018, I have been living in Palo Alto, CA.

I like the lightness and the recyclable nature of paper. I prefer vivid and straight presence in my figuration. In order to create contrast in fluidity, texture, depth and reality, I am open to use any kind of collage material applicable on paper. I always felt deeply connected to the artwork of El Greco, Giacometti and De Kooning. I also admire the works of Bacon, Baselitz, Rauschenberg, Twombly, Dumas, Kiefer, Gormley, (Kiki) Smith, Nevelson.

2007 Ph.D. In Geodesy and Photogrammetry Engineering Istanbul Technical University, Turkey

1986-1989 Meryem Arican's studio at Painting and Sculpture Museum, Istanbul Turkey
1992-1995 Meryem Arican's studio, Istanbul Turkey
1996 Umut Germec's studio, Istanbul Turkey
1998 Yusuf Taktak's studio at Painting and Sculpture Museum, Istanbul Turkey
2008-2010 Michael Azgour's studio at Pacific Art League, Palo Alto CA, USA

2017, Second Selves, Capital Repertory Theater (REP) Art Gallery, Albany NY
2015, Wide Open 6, Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition, Brooklyn NY
2015, Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region Juried Exhibition, University Art Museum, University at Albany, Albany NY
2015, The Creative Process, East End Arts, East End, NY
2014, National Prize Show, The Cambridge Art Association, Cambridge, MA
2014, 64th Annual Art of the Northeast Exhibition, Silvermine Arts Center, New Canaan, CT
2014, Nave Gallery (Somerville, MA), Salon 21
2014, Artisttableonline.com, Eye Eye Nose Mouth (Second best place).
2014, The Shirt Factory Gallery (Glens Falls, NY), Juried show of Small works.
2013, Viridian Artists Gallery (New York, NY), the 24th National & International Juried Exhibition
2013, The Ames Mansion (North Easton, MA), The Blanche Ames National Juried Art Exhibition.
2013, National Association of Woman Artists Gallery (New York, NY), Clothing Optional