© Mesut Öztürk, 5 from the seris Sticks, 2022
© Mesut Öztürk, 5 from the seris Sticks, 2022

“I like the contrast between a methodical and geometric structure and a snake – like curvy structure.”

Name
Mesut Öztürk

Profession
Artist

Website
ozturkmesut.com

Where are you from?
Bulgaria & Turkey

© Mesut Öztürk, 2022
© Mesut Öztürk, 2022

Your style in 3 words?
Architectural, linear, rough

Your weakness? Your strength?
Dedication to work. Dedication to work.

What makes you different?
Using architectural knowledge in sculpture making

When did you decide to become an artist?
It’s been always part of me but I stopped doing other things than art when I didn’t satisfy with the way I live.

Do you choose your art form, or does the form choose you?
I choose it first, then some forms impose themselves in the process and I let them change.

©Mesut Öztürk, 2 from the series Knot, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 2 from the series Knot, 2022

What do you find most fascinating about the creative process?

My state of mind while I was working on a sculpture.

A few words about your favorite creation?

Mostly my favorite creation is my latest piece. I’m excited about my recent project which is a combination of two of my ongoing series. I like the contrast between a methodical and geometric structure and a snake-like curvy structure.

What surprised you most about your first art shows?

When I hear some interesting descriptions of my work which I never thought before

Someone else’s work that inspired or inspires you…

Several anonymous ancient buildings and cities in Asia Minor.

A new project coming up or an idea you want to work on?

A large-scale outdoor piece.

Finish the sentence „More important than my career is…“

Being able to enjoy my life.

2023: Where are we going?

More environmental disasters, more poverty, more billionaires…

©Mesut Öztürk, 1 from the series Flow, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 1 from the series Flow, 2022

Do you think about time as an artist?

I try to focus on the present without having long-term plans.

When the going gets tough…

I go to my workshop and do some work.

Put on your future vision glasses: What direction is our generation moving in, and what will our world look like in 50 years?

50 years is a long period in this rapid change era. I think the fall of capitalism will see its deepest point already, and surviving people will create a new paradigm in 50 years.

©Mesut Öztürk, 26 from the series Revak, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 26 from the series Revak, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 26 from the series Revak, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 26 from the series Revak, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 37 from the series Revak, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 37 from the series Revak, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 26 from the series Revak, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 26 from the series Revak, 2022

What would you do if you could change the World?

I would ban having more kids than one in all countries. I think the source of all crises is human overpopulation.

What does freedom mean when it comes to art?

The way of living as an artist is one of the best ways to be free. It’s not always comfortable but freedom is not about comfort.

If the universe is everything and it’s expanding, what is it expanding into?

We produce this knowledge in our brains. So, the universe cannot be larger than our 15-cm-wide brains.

© Mesut Öztürk, 2022
© Mesut Öztürk, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 11 from the series Sticks, 2022
©Mesut Öztürk, 11 from the series Sticks, 2022

Tell us about your future plans…

Moving to a Mediterranean city, having a big workshop space with a sea view.

Your city’s favorite spots?

Parc de Belleville, Turkish restaurants in Strasbourg St Denis, Petanque pitches in Bd Richard-Lenoir, Cite Fertile

Last but not least: what is your favorite Song?

I don’t have any favorite songs but I like rap and ethnic electronic music.

One last statement please: „Wood or stone, gold or art?“

Wood and art.

Your #…?

#takeaction