About | Berna Ay

Berna Ay’s artistic practice explores the intricate relationship between human beings and their environment, particularly focusing on the psychological and physical effects of climate change on human health. Her work is characterized by a minimalist approach and a carefree style, often depicting figures interacting with elements of nature. Recurring motifs include characters with plants—such as trees or cabbages—growing from their heads, eyes, or mouths, symbolizing the allergic reactions triggered by environmental factors.

EDUCATION

2011 - 2018 Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU), Painting Department, Istanbul, Türkiye

COLLECTIONS

Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM Art), Eskişehir, Türkiye

ARTIST RESIDENCIES

May 16 - 23, 2025 Hošek Contemporary, Berlin, Germany

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

Upcoming The Weather I Wake Up To Is No Longer the Same, Hošek Contemporary, Berlin, Germany
2023 Inhale - Exhale, Pyke, Prizren, Kosovo

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024 Rome International Art Fair 2024, Medina Art Gallery, ISTLIQUID SRLS, Roma, Italy

2024 Pop-up Series, Büyükdere35 Gallery, Istanbul, Türkiye

2024 5-5 [Plug-In&Plug-Out]: Plugging an Art Collective, Subsqu, https://sub.hotglue.me/tak-cikar

2023 FOCUS Art Fair, Saatchi Gallery, London, England

2022 “Gender - Free” Chain, Akaretler Sıraevler 17, Istanbul, Türkiye

2021 Contemporary Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye

2021 Cure, https://www.cure.ist/cure-project

2020 Contemporary Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye

2020 Step Istanbul, Taksim 360, Istanbul, Türkiye

2020 Topluluk, Üretimhane, Istanbul, Türkiye

2019 In Between Pilgrim, Space Debris Art, Istanbul, Türkiye

2018 Mamut Art Project, Küçükçiftlik Park, Istanbul, Türkiye

2018 Base Istanbul, Galata Greek School, Istanbul, Türkiye

2017 Painting Department Salon Exhibition, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU), Istanbul, Türkiye

2016 Atelier 4 Exhibition, Tophane-i Amire Culture And Art Center (MSGSU), Istanbul, Türkiye

2015 Painting Department Salon Exhibition, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU), Istanbul, Türkiye

FILM FESTIVALS

2023 Clap - Athens International Montly Art Film Festival, Honorable Mention

2022 Clap - Lift Off Sessions