View Ahmet Murat Karayilan’s Entire Portfolio Here
Favorite material to work with?
Canvas.
What is your medium?
Mixed media.
What themes do you pursue?
I am interested in mythology -especially those behind the constellations- and philosophy. My art is influenced by Heidegger. Each figure of mine is ‘Dasein’: aware of existing in time temporarily and feeling one’s existence constantly. In my paintings, the figures being alone represent the human being’s “situation of being on your own” which is the obligatory requirement to comprehend ‘time’ as pure. My figures are mostly white or black. They become clearer while not being there. Not being there reinforces their visibility. Like a missing piece of the puzzle. So where are they? Somewhere in their minds.
Sketchbook? Do you use one? What type?
Yes, I use sketchbook. I usually start by making quick sketches with notes.
Most important tool you use?
Pen.
Where is your studio?
I turned one of the rooms in my house into a studio space. I have to live with my painting during the process. I have to be able to work on it whenever I want.
“The Park” is available for sale for $2,400.00 on Saatchi Online
Process> Concept or Process<Concept
From concept to process. But I make decisions while painting. I like that uncertain process.
Why do you make art?
Making art makes me respect myself.
Art school or self-taught?
Art school. I have a bachelor of fine arts degree from Izmir Dokuz Eylul University.
Prefer to work with music or in silence?
I prefer to work in silence.
What’s around the corner from your place?
Airport.
Favorite sound?
Typewriter.
Favorite smell?
Coffee.
Where can we find you outside the studio?
In my car.
Who are your favorite writers?
Bukowski.
What could you not do without?
Driving.
If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do?
I would like to be a watchmaker.
Would you rather be able to make a living as an artist now or become famous after you die?
I’d rather be able to make a living as an artist now. ‘Now’ is the power of me.
Would you rather see your art on a t-shirt or on a billboard?
I’d rather see my art on a billboard.
Astrology or astronomy?
Astronomy.
The Queen Cassiopeia is available for sale on Saatchi Online for $1,400.00.
What do you collect?
I collect mechanical watches. I love the self-winding mechanism.
Favorite contemporary artist?
David Hockney.
A piece of art you love?
The Milkmaid by Vermeer.
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
The Milkmaid.
Which living or dead artist would you most like to meet?
I’m not sure. Schiele, Michelangelo, Hieronymous Bosch, Rothko, Picasso, Giacometti, Hockney, Camille Claudel… They are all great artist and very interesting persons.
Pictor’s Portrait is available for sale for $1,000.00
Use anything other than paint?
Sure. For example, tea.
Oil or acrylic?
Mostly acrylic. I work fast, so paint must dry faster.
Photo references?
Yes, especially for birds.
Is painting dead?
No.
What do you wear while you paint?
When I want to paint, I just start working. I don’t care what I wear.
Painting Inside or Outside?
Always inside.
Dear Murat,
questions and answers should be a printed as art piece.very interesting .I quite like your ,short,meaningful and clear= YOU+YOURSELF. how lovely to let you know yourself in simplicty.
I love all your works.they are you and unique .
in these frame my fav one is your sketching books.
Congrats and very good luck to you.
very good interwiu, so fresh and conceptual
It’s very nice to meet you ,here in Saatchi Gallery.
Congratulations and best wishes on your way .
Interesting, I like your brevity, It made me want to see the images live.
so clean.
successfully:)
Fantastic work!
Net curtains in your studio?
Yes. Simple Ikea curtains. Easy to use for softening brilliant daylight. And against curious eyes
Thanks a lot to all of you guys for your kind comments!
really loved the work, very impressive urban vocabulary.
love your work
interesting,love your work too…
Very interesting work. Makes me thinking. Success
I love the neatness of the work, probably because it is so different from what I do. The sketchbook pictures are great,there is a sense of precision there & I thought it was quite fitting that you chose watch maker ( not sure that’s the word) as alternative to being an artist. Best of everything with your work.
“Not being there reinforces their visibility.” Sure it does.
Stunning.
dawg, dat work of yours is some serious shit.
seriously good shit, homie
fredward you’re ugly. I think jocelyn&sara are your uglier cousins. But the ugliest things are your comments.
this is good work…if u know what i mean……………………………!
good work… real good!!!
Dear Ahmet, it is interesting how your work shocks me. It seems nothing to have with “Beauty”, but translates very well your interior world when one takes as a base your answers to the questions set by Saatchi. Your works also transmit me a kind of undetermined unsatisfaction, in spite of your bright way to see the life. I said to feel shocked, because I search to express the Beauty through my realistic thoughts and paintings – a feeling diametrally opposed to yours. However we should never forget that many are the ways that lead to the Lord. My congratulations to your sincere way to express yourself.
Super-nice!! Really like your work! Greetings from Sweden
Great work!
Great to meet an artist from Izmir here on Saatchi
)
I like your conceptual approach and way of execution. Hope to meet at one of the shows around here. Please let me know also when you have a show.
Wonderful work Ahmet! The Queen Cassiopeia is my favorite