In this interview, artist Ipek Ergen explores the interplay between the fantastical and the everyday, weaving intricate narratives that blur the lines between reality and imagination. Drawing inspiration from pop surrealism, otaku culture, and street art, she constructs visually striking compositions that merge nostalgia, symbolism, and dreamlike distortions. Ergen’s work often features human and animal figures as symbolic representations of emotions, choices, and unseen forces, allowing viewers to project their own interpretations onto her paintings. Through layered allegories and recurring motifs, she crafts a visual storytelling approach that remains open-ended, encouraging a personal and immersive engagement with her art.
1
Your paintings blend contemporary and traditional elements, often featuring human and animal figures in surreal settings. How do you use these symbolic characters to explore themes of destiny and existence?
I see my paintings as visual narratives of life’s journey, personal yet universal. The figures, whether human or animal, act as symbols rather than specific characters. They represent emotions, choices, and the unseen forces that shape our paths. As mentioned, destiny and existence are fluid concepts in my work; I like to explore the tension between control and coincidence with the help of these figures. Some of them seem to guide, others observe, and some are caught in the in-between, much like we all are at different points in life.
2
Your compositions often resemble wonderland-like scenes with intricate details and layered allegories. How do you develop these narratives, and do you approach your paintings as continuous stories?
These narratives stem from moments I witness in daily life, unexpected coincidences, a sense of nostalgia, and fairy tales whose influence stretches from childhood to the present, as well as everyday objects having meanings beyond their function. They serve as entry points into a world where the familiar meets the surreal, and invite a relationship between reality and imagination.
Each painting begins with a moment; an image, a thought, a word, or a feeling that lingers. From there, I build layers, both physically and conceptually. Details emerge as I refine the composition, often leading to unexpected connections and deeper themes. While my paintings are not strictly sequential, they are part of a larger narrative. I see them as fragments of a broader exploration, much like different chapters in the same comic book. Certain elements and figures (such as rabbits, teapots, and apples) reappear across multiple works, creating a sense of continuity, yet I like to leave space for viewers to weave their own stories through them.
3
Your work is influenced by diverse sources, including pop surrealism, otaku culture, and street art. How do these inspirations shape your visual storytelling?
I’m drawn to visual languages that merge the fantastical with the everyday, much like I do in my work. Pop surrealism’s dreamlike distortions, otaku culture’s layered symbolism and plastic colors, and the raw energy of street art are all important sources of inspiration for my practice. They offer different ways to communicate; some playful, some unsettling, but always charged with meaning. These influences help me construct worlds that feel both familiar and strange, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. In a way, they allow me to distill complex ideas into compelling, immediate imagery while still leaving room for interpretation.
“Each painting begins with a moment; an image, a thought, a word, or a feeling that lingers. “
Ipek Ergen
