Zafer Urun

ZAFER URUN * 15.07.1999 in Schrobenhausen, Germany.
Studying Fine Arts at Staedelschule Frankfurt & at the Academy of Fine Arts Munich.

ZAFERURUN.STUDIO@GMAIL.COM

Education

ONGOING

CAL STATE LONG BEACH, FINE ARTS

ONGOING

STAEDELSCHULE FRANKFURT, SCULPTURE

ONGOING

ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS MUNICH, PAINTING

2021 – 2023

UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES MUNICH, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Scholarships

2024

OSKAR KARL FORSTER GRANT, MUNICH

2024

LIEBELT STIFTUNG GRANT, HAMBURG

2024

POST GRADUATE GRANT, FULBRIGHT GERMANY

2021 – 2023

STUDIO SCHOLARSHIP BAHNWÄRTERTHIEL, MUNICH

Exhibitions

2025

WORK DONATION

GLAMFA, LOS ANGELES

2024

GROUP SHOW

MARILYN WERBY GALLERY, LONG BEACH

FLOAT WITH ME

ANNUAL SHOW, ADBK MUNICH

INFILTRATORS, BIENNALE URBANA COLLECTIVE

VENICE BIENNALE

RUNDGANG

STÄDELSCHULE FRANKFURT

2023

POLITICS OF DISPLAY, GROUPSHOW

VITSŒ, MUNICH

GROUPSHOW

KUNSTARKADEN, MUNICH

"THREE OF A PERFECT PAIR" ANNUAL SHOW

ADBK MUNICH

"7-ELEVEN" FIRST SOLO SHOW

AKAKDEMIEGALERIE, MUNICH

"OFFSHORE" GROUPSHOW

HAUS DER KUNST, MUNICH

2022

ANNUAL EXHIBTION

ADBK MUNICH

"MINDS ARE MAGNETS" GROUPSHOW

CANAL STREET RESEARCH ASSOCIATION NEW YORK

"BAODT" GROUPSHOW

FRANKFURT AM MAIN

"MAX33=DIVERS" GROUPSHOW

MINI COOPER PAVILLION, MUNICH

2021

GROUPSHOW

GALERIE BRAUN FALCO, MUNICH

GROUPSHOW

KULTUSMINISTERIUM, MUNICH

2022

GROUPSHOW

OUTLETCITY METZINGEN

"ART AGAIN!" GROUPSHOW

LAZYLAND, MUNICH

Statement

Since I started my study at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich under the auspices of Markus Oehlen, my artistic interests have shifted from two-dimensional to three-dimensional expressions.

This led me to temporarily start studying Industrial Design on top of my Fine Arts study, as a way to broaden my artistic practice and works. But also because I was captivated by the interplay of these conflicting approaches. This prompted me to join Tobias Rehberger‘s class at Städelschule Frankfurt as a guest student, seeking the ideal input to push the boundaries of design and art. Despite the shared charac-teristics such as fine arts and industrial design seem to have, this conflict resonates with me personally. As I have both, Turkish and Kurdish roots - which is already quite controversial. I further strongly identify with my German origin, influenced by my grandparents who remained in Germany following the guest worker influx in the 1980s. This already provides a very unique perspective, which I contribute to my profession.

Therefore my artistic goal is, to adress more people than just the average art community and represent my culture by building bridges inbetween those communities. With my first solo exhibition „ 7- Eleven“ at the AkademieGalerie in February 2023, I‘ve already proven myself, that I can bring very diverse audien ces together. Since the resonance was only positive from all directions also from people from outside the facility who are normally just passing by the gallery.

People who appreciate fashion, music or simply enjoy dining out are equally welcome as my target audience. I aim for them to connect with the artwork on a deeper level, rather than just give them the feeling of something decorational through my works. My artistic process is shaped by interdisciplinary exploration and freedom, within painting and sculp- ture. Currently I‘m attracted to creating sculptures from various used and deconstructed sneakers, including elements of streetwear culture. Fashion plays a significant role in my workflow, whether it serves as inspiration within the work or determines the work itself. Additionally, I challenge traditional painting by experimenting with innovative techniques, such as merging digital prints with traditional brushwork and paint on canvas.

Opacity is a key element in my works, achieved through the use of specific materials. Whether it‘s henna on canvas, emphasizing my roots, or wax to visualize the ephemerality of time, I explore the imitation of traditional paintings through transparent acrylic paint on canvas to create thicker layers. My research primarily revolves around everyday life and its inspiration. Final ideas emerge decisively by embracing the given aesthetics and potential of the subject matter, rather than imposing a thought or visualization at the outset. I explore the current cultural climate in all my artworks, whether it serves as inspiration for the final piece or directly shapes the work itself. Therefore, I integrate everyday products like ads, logos or products with artistic expressions/ qualities in my profession.

Imprint