Haydar Ekinek

Haydar Ekinek, born in Van in 1967, established his relationship with art during his childhood, creating his first drawings by carving them onto the walls of a traditional village tandır oven. After completing his education in Van, he moved to Istanbul; following a period working as a sign painter, he founded his own studio and dedicated himself entirely to his art.

Ekinek’s practice is grounded in a figurative approach, with a particular focus on the female figure and women’s emotional states. Through strong compositions and varied spatial constructions, he reflects the inner world of women in a direct and expressive manner. One of the most distinctive aspects of his work is his unique technique of using nails instead of a brush, which gives his works both physical and emotional depth.

Having exhibited internationally, Ekinek has gained recognition in contemporary Turkish painting with his distinctive and bold visual language.

In the artist’s own words:
“For me, painting is not just a technique but a form of expression; every mark is a fragment of lived experience.”