Year of Residency: 2026
Ergi Vardar
Ergi Vardar continues his work at his home and studio in Istanbul. Long before beginning his formal studies at the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Department of Painting, he started painting regularly and had the opportunity to engage with masters of Turkish art. During his university years, he enriched his artistic practice by developing skills in fields such as lithography, engraving, photography, and art history. To bring both his own work and that of his colleagues to the public, he began organizing independent group exhibitions in Istanbul with his studio partner Yaren Aycı. While concurrently preparing for his solo exhibition, his works have already found their place in private collections.
Although not limited to a specific technique, he generally prefers working with oil and acrylic paints. His relationship with painting is rooted in the effort to establish an authentic artistic language by maintaining a conscious distance from populism. Believing that this pursuit gives meaning to life, he continues to enrich his life and artistic journey by engaging in dialogue with those who walk a similar path. Ultimately, he defines painting as “the only place where one can truly lose and find oneself.”
Artist Website: ergivardar.com
Instagram: ergi.vardar
Yaren Aycı
Born in Istanbul on July 4, 2001. Graduated from Hacı Sabancı Anatolian High School. In 2020, started art education at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Department of Painting. Conducted studies on the lithography printing technique here. Gave painting and art lessons in various art workshops. Completed the final undergraduate year in 2025. Today, serves as a co-founder of a collective that organizes independent exhibitions.