Interview

Written By Adelé Kotzé

Okan Kaleli

Okan Kaleli is an artist based in London. With a background in architecture, he weaves intricate hand-drawn works into compelling narratives. Each piece tells a story that resonates deeply, offering a unique perspective on life, culture, and human experiences. After a successful career in architecture, Okan rediscovered his love for art, experimenting with collages that blur the lines of time, scale, and symbols. His work explores the intricate interplay between culture, history, and architecture, weaving visual narratives that capture life's subtle complexities. Each piece is a symbolic tale, reflecting the diverse facets of our world. Inspired by the power of art to convey meaningful messages, Okan embarked on this creative journey, seeking to inspire and provoke thought through his unique perspective.

 

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“Growing up in the bustling metropolis of London alongside my two brothers, our bond was strengthened by our shared love for the art of illustration. While my brothers were content to draw whatever came to mind, I was constantly drawn to the city's vibrant landscapes and the emotions they evoked. As a child, I was never without a pen or pencil in hand, seeking to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. My innate passion for capturing the essence of my surroundings and turning them into a visual narrative honed my artistic abilities, allowing me to not only draw, but also to tell stories through my art. For me, illustration was a means of communication, a way to express my thoughts and feelings. After dedicating 11 years to the field of architecture, I longed for the creative freedom that art had once provided me. I made the decision to reignite my passion for art and start anew. With renewed enthusiasm, I soon regained my skill and could spend hours lost in the meditative state of creating.”

What inspires you?

“I find boundless inspiration in the vibrant tapestry of city life — the intricate objects, the fluidity of human movement, and the nuanced ways we engage with our surroundings. Every step we take is a dance with culture, history, architecture, and art, weaving a rich narrative that shapes our identity. What truly captivates me is the fascinating intersection where nature's organic elegance collides with the meticulously planned urban landscapes. Each tells its own story: the organic, harmonious designs of nature juxtaposed with the deliberate logic of human-made cities, meticulously crafted for our convenience.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“In this diverse canvas, I discovered my own unique artistic voice, a style and technique born from experimentation and a deep passion for collaging concepts and imagery. My creations are playful and imaginative, often venturing into the surreal. Through my art, I explore the boundaries of time, scale, symbols, and memories, blurring these lines to craft captivating narratives that resonate with people. Through my work, I hope to convey the profound beauty in the convergence of these elements, highlighting the harmony between nature, culture, history, architecture, and art. My art invites you to perceive the world through a different lens, encouraging you to embrace imagination and creativity without constraints. It's about celebrating the limitless possibilities that arise when we bridge the gap between the ordinary and the extraordinary. In my artistic journey, I passionately pursue a profound exploration of the intricate connections that bind nature, human-made environments, culture, history, architecture, and art. My creative endeavours are driven by a deep desire to unravel the mysteries of this complex interplay.”

“In this diverse canvas, I discovered my own unique artistic voice, a style and technique born from experimentation and a deep passion for collaging concepts and imagery. My creations are playful and imaginative, often venturing into the surreal.”

How would you describe your work?

“I see my artwork as a visual storytelling, a tapestry of images that weave together to create a symbolic narrative for the viewer to discover. It delves into the diverse and captivating aspects of the world, showcasing how culture, history, tradition, architecture, and people interact and shape one another. It highlights the social complexities of life, often in a subtle and nuanced way, by exploring cities and cultures and shining a light on how they shape individual members of society.”

Which artists influence you most?

“In my creative journey, I draw inspiration from a diverse tapestry of influences, each shaping my unique perspective on the world. Artists like Heath Robinson, Keith Haring, and Stephen Wiltshire have profoundly impacted my work, guiding me towards a playful and imaginative exploration of the intricate connections between nature, human-made environments, and artistic expression. Furthermore, architects such as Rem Koolhaas, CJ Lim, and Peter Cook have been instrumental in shaping my artistic vision. Their ability to delve into the realms of culture, history, and architecture resonates deeply with my own exploration of these themes. Much like them, I am captivated by the harmonious relationship between form and function, celebrating the purposeful design in everyday objects.”

 What is your creative process like?

“My art is born from an idea, a concept that I develop into a rich narrative through my drawings. I begin by sketching, using a variety of fine-tipped pens and pencils, to capture the flow of my imagination. I then go through a process of evaluating and choosing the right line weights, methods of depicting depth and tone, and experimenting with different techniques, all with the goal of creating a cohesive composition. Occasionally, I incorporate gold paint to add an extra layer of depth and complexity to my work. My sketches serve as the foundation for my ideas, which I continually refine and adapt through the use of internet influences, external experiences, and stimuli from my surroundings. My compositions are always open to adjustment, with the potential for new ideas to be incorporated at any stage of the creative process.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“The artist, in my eyes, is a storyteller, a bridge between the tangible and the intangible, weaving narratives that echo the harmonious relationship between form and function. Drawing inspiration from the purposeful design in everyday objects, artists like myself explore the uncharted territories of imagination. We embrace the playful spirit of experimentation, collaging concepts and imagery, blurring the boundaries of time, scale, symbols, and memories. In this evolving landscape, the artist's role extends far beyond the canvas or the sculpture. We are the architects of new perspectives, the visionaries who challenge norms and invite society to question, imagine, and dream. Through our work, we not only celebrate the beauty of our surroundings but also act as mirrors, reflecting the complexity and wonder of the world we inhabit. As society advances, the artist's evolution is inevitable. We are becoming catalysts for change, breaking barriers and embracing diversity. Our creations serve as catalysts for conversations, sparking dialogues that challenge societal norms and inspire innovation. The artist of today and tomorrow is a conduit for empathy, compassion, and understanding, transcending borders and connecting hearts through the universal language of art.”

 
Adelé Kotzé
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