Timur
I have used insects as my main visual and symbolic language through my exhibition, exploring the relationship between human emotion and the visual qualities of the natural world. Through observation and stylised abstraction, I examine feelings like comfort, fascination and fear using insects as both subject and metaphor. My journey started by looking at the environment around me, particularly in Paris, where I focused on simplifying shapes and figures. This led me toward a closer exploration of details and my interest led me to focus on insects.
I then began using insects to represent my own emotions. The Fear (2024), reflects my personal fear of spiders, influenced by Louise Bourgeois’ use of spiders as psychological symbols. Using charcoal and chalk allowed me to face traumas through art, while Serenity Wings (2024), an acrylic painting on wood, represents my interpretation of peacefulness using the butterfly as a central motif, drawing inspiration from Irina Rumyantseva’s use of vibrant colours and focused composition which is a butterfly in the centre.
The turning point in my work came when I shifted from expressing my emotions through insects to exploring the insects themselves. Beyond the Wing (2024), a large-scale butterfly wing study draws from Georgia O’Keeffe and Mark Rothko’s emotional use of colour. Through a layering range of different colours and scale of the work, I was able to explore the intricacies of the wing showing how something so small can hold dramatic visual power.
From there, I continued exploring insects through magnification and abstraction. In “Spots of Life” (2024) and “Life in Detail” (2025) I looked closely at a ladybug’s elytra and enlarged a single dot into a full abstract composition. Inspired by O’Keeffe’s brushstroke technique, I brought attention to how something ordinary can reveal unexpected complexity. The textured layering and intense palette were chosen to show beauty in close up.
The final piece, Crawlers (2025), marks a return to emotions but in a different way. A series of 19 small insect paintings in silhouette, influenced by Brazilian artist Regina Silveira. Her large scale shadow installations inspired me to use flat silhouettes and bold contrast to create tension and movement. I painted each insect in black on textured red backgrounds, using directional brushwork to suggest movement. The circular and rectangular wood panels are displayed suspended from thin wire, making them appear to float in space and surround the viewer. This spatial arrangement transforms the exhibition space into an environment where the viewer is immersed in the world of insects, evoking both fascination and discomfort. It’s a piece that fully realises my curatorial goal of turning the audience from a passive observer into an active participant in the emotional and visual experience.
The layout is separated into 2 different parts. Upon entering, visitors first encounter the ladybug pieces, contrasted by the spider piece on the right. As they move forward, they see Crawlers, Serenity Wings, The Spectrum Sting, and the large-scale Beyond the Wing painting. The placement of Crawlers at the end immerses the viewer fully, shifting their experience from observing individual insects to feeling surrounded by them.
My exhibition invites the audience to experience a range of emotions, from the discomfort of confronting fears to the contrasting calmness of finding serenity and lively, colourful and bold close up views of details of insects. I want them to pause, observe and be impacted by the scale, motifs, textures and colours in my paintings. Therefore, my work uses insects not only as biological subjects but as emotional responses that help us explore the complexity of our own perceptions and feelings.
Spots of Life (December 2024)
Acrylic paint on canvas
105cm x 80cm
Spots of Life focuses on close-ups of ladybug’s elytra examining intricate spots using vibrant colours. Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe abstraction technique and approach to close up composition of flowers I emphasised ladybug’s spots transforming into dynamic focal points. Mixing colours and textures I created a slightly abstract composition. Using a similar approach and idea of bringing viewers to slow down and appreciate the intricacies of the unnoticed I was able to bring unique vision into the spots.
Fear (January 2024)
Charcoal & chalk
65cm x 50cm
Fear breaks down the idea of my personal communication with the spiders theme. The title represents my own fear that I decided to incorporate with art, just like I have done in previous works. It was created using chalk and charcoal, outlining details and creating shape through different shades, blending those two. Louise Bourgeois influenced me in the way she faced her traumas with the use of spiders. This could help me realise that I can overcome my fear by creating and developing this theme.
Life in Detail (January 2025)
Acrylic paint on canvas
73cm x 62cm
Life in Detail explores the intricate beauty of a ladybug’s spot. By enlarging a single dot I highlight the textures and colours within a simple round form. Inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe’s use of layered brushstrokes and vibrant colours I aimed to show movement and life, transforming the dot into an organic microcosm. The interplay of red, blue, yellow and green enhances depth and draws the viewer’s eye deeper, reinforcing the idea that such small detail can contain complexity in different ways.
