Mert Öztekin (Ankara, 1983) discloses faces, moments and objects out of various materials he uses. Sad portraits, uncanny objects and joyful abstractions. Through his own particular painting method, Öztekin presses himself against fragile materials and hence reveals the eternity of their inner resistance. Smeared, rubbed, caressed, and carved on layers of thin papers, dry pastels harbor the vivid colored vibrations of days and nights. What is within us and outside us collectively manifests in a dark galaxy. There’s no depth behind the painting, no reality beyond paper. What exists merely stands before us—simultaneously coming into existence and being disrupted within the particles of a single surface as thin as film.
Öztekin had his recent solo projects exhibited in Eldem Sanat Alanı, Bilsart, Fail Books, Kova and Öktem Aykut. In 2026, his works have been shown at Vima Art Fair, Cyprus. Since 2009, his works have been shown in group exhibitions at NON, Hafriyat, Tasarım Bakkalı, ArtSümer, Halka, Ferda Art Platform and Depo. As a part of Condo London, he exhibited his works in Southard Reid in London, alongside works by Ahmet Civelek. He also took part in art exhibitions and events with HaZaVuZu.
His exhibitions include: Lighter Than Air, Öktem Aykut (2023); The Meaning Follows, Öktem Aykut (2019); Istanbul. Passion, Joy, Fury, MAXXI, National Museum of XXI Century Arts, Rome (2015); Whitechapel Gallery, London (2013); For Whom Is It Too Late Today? – Between Stamp and Mars, Frac des Pays de la Loire, Carquefou (2009); Baltic Triennial, Vilnius (2009); Biennale de Lyon (2009); Lokaal01, Antwerp (2008); Rotterdamse Schouwburg, Rotterdam (2008); Kaserne, Basel (2008); Istanbul Biennial (2007).
Other than HaZaVuZu, Mert Öztekin is also a founding member of one of the most substantial artist communities in Istanbul, Dolapdere Noise Orchestra