In this interview, Setenay Alpsoy explores the interplay between architecture and nature, depicting the city as a living organism that is constantly evolving. Through her work, she emphasizes the resilience of nature within the built environment, capturing the silent yet powerful presence of organic forms as they reclaim urban spaces. London’s rapidly changing landscape, its characteristic brick patterns, and the interplay of light and shadow serve as major influences on her artistic vision. By intentionally omitting human figures, Alpsoy shifts the focus to what remains—a timeless narrative of transformation and coexistence.
1
You intentionally exclude human figures from your paintings, allowing architecture to narrate the human experience. How does this approach shape the way you capture the relationship between people and their built environment?
I always considered “the city” as a living organism, the largest built structure by mankind. It is alive, breathing, changing and transforming. Not only human, but – although it’s pushed back by concrete nature is also a part of this environment. When the buildings are abandoned, nature always captures the flag. It always finds a crack to grow.
What I try to emphasis is this “timelessness”, those silent and subtle moments in eternity within this abnormally crowded, busy, rapid environment. Therefore, I don’t want to capture human figures in this very moment, instead I am looking for what they left behind.
2
How has London's urban landscape influenced your artistic vision, and is there a particular place in the city that inspires you the most?
Not only London, but the whole UK is sharing the same pattern in the buildings, “the bricks”. I haven’t experienced such a strong and stubborn pattern in any other city. But like in any other major city, London’s urban landscape is also changing rapidly. This “change” also has been one of the main subjects in my paintings.
I can feel this change especially in Central London around the financial district, where old buildings give way to shiny skyscrapers. I’ve always liked to use the surfaces of these modern buildings, they allow me to use reflections and depict both “the modern” and “the old” simultaneously
Another influence of London on my artistic vision is “the light”.
Most days the sky is cloudy and grey, and when the sun shines, it comes with a different angle, causing the shadows to appear longer. These I guess may have an effect on my palette.
3
How do you choose which organic forms, such as plants, to incorporate into your architectural compositions? What significance do these natural elements hold in expressing your art?
Despite being suppressed in the city, I have always felt that nature is part of the urban habitat. It is always there, waiting for humans to leave so that it can seep through tiny cracks and sprout again. I use these organic forms to create a sense of dilemma, humanity is forced to “live” in these “unnatural” environments made of steel and concrete.
“I always considered “the city” as a living organism, the largest built structure by mankind. “
Setenay Alpsoy
