SEVDA UYKAN

SKT is proud to present ‘Stockholm’, a painting by Sevda Uykan, in our restArt the Planet exhibition. 

Although originally with Serbian roots, Sevda was born in Istambul, Turkey. Sevda has always had a fascination for cultural diversity and has travelled the world extensively. Her travels and the cultural mix she has experienced since childhood had a tremendous effect on her professional style. 

Sevda's extraordinary educational background also plays a big role in her art. Her interest in art came from her childhood and was cultivated by her father who was a designer. She later went on to study Chemistry at Yildiz Technical University in Istanbul after that she completed a postgraduate degree in Business Administration at London Grafton College. She studied Figurative Art/Sculpture at Richmond Art School. Her other pursuits are hypnotherapy and psychotherapy. She is currently studying Diploma/ MSc in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy at Metanoia Institute / Middlesex University alongside her art career and lives in the culturally rich London. 

This artwork explores the toxicity of ceratin relationships and urging women to break off if necessary. The painting style of the piece is almost morbidly calm. It shows a woman standing in front of a mirror in panties and a wifebeater shirt - ordinary pieces of home clothing. There are bloodstains on her clothes and the mirror, and a bloody handprint on the wall...The commonness and familiarity of the artwork's setting truly show its grim meaning. 

As evident from its name "Stockholm" talks about the Stockholm Syndrome specifically, a condition when a victim of abuse bonds with their captor and abuser, and its effect on the lives of many women. Sevda is very vocal about the violence against women, using her art to expose and tackle it. 

Visit restArt the Planet exhibition on our website to see ‘Stockholm’ by Sevda Uykan.

[By Katya Bobina]