“Each painting tells a story. I can’t sit still I have to create, I have to paint. I want to mark my name in the world. Even when I’m gone, I want people to remember me through my artworks.”

The Chess Series: Power, Identity, and Inner Battles
In her signature Chess Series, Simay Kışlaoğlu places herself in symbolic roles Queen, Knight, Rook exploring the complexity of human decisions and emotional struggles. She uses the chessboard as a metaphor for life: strategy, risk, sacrifice, and the battle between logic and emotion.
These works are not about victory. They are about courage the courage to stand before making a move.

Cinders and Queens
150 × 150 cm · Oil on Canvas
“Where power rises from ashes.”
Cinders and Queens represents rebirth after destruction. Inspired by the myth of the phoenix, the painting speaks of transformation through pain. It expresses that true strength is not given it is forged.
The message is clear: even after collapse, something stronger can rise.
As Nietzsche said, “What does not kill me makes me stronger.”

Queen of Illusions
90 × 120 cm · Oil on Canvas
Influenced by the elegance of classical masters like Vermeer, Queen of Illusions connects past and present. The calm expression, soft light, and realistic detail create a sense of intimacy yet the bold checkerboard introduces modern tension.
It asks a quiet question: What is real, and what is illusion?
In today’s world of masks and shifting truths, the painting challenges the viewer to look deeper.

Red Gambit
120 × 180 cm · Oil on Canvas
In Red Gambit, life is shown as a chessboard of choices. Black and white represent strategy and logic but through them cuts a stroke of red, symbolizing passion, risk, and instinct.
This painting reminds us that true mastery is not avoiding mistakes, but daring to act.
It does not ask, Will you win?
It asks, Will you dare to move?

Contemporary Istanbul – 20th Edition
A Sold-Out Success
Simay Kışlaoğlu’s participation in the 20th Edition of Contemporary Istanbul, represented by AWC Gallery, marked a major moment in her career. Her works attracted high collector interest, and most pieces were sold during the fair.
Viewers were drawn not only to her technique, but to the emotional power in her gaze and symbolism. Word spread quickly: a unique artistic voice had arrived.

Legacy
Simay Kışlaoğlu paints to build memory to leave proof of spirit. Her art carries a timeless aim: to remain long after the world grows silent.
“I do not paint to be seen. I paint to remain.”

Dear Friends,

This September, I will be honored to take part in the 20th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, representing AWC Contemporary Gallery at Hall A, Stand A-115.

For me, portraiture in oil has always been more than likeness. It is an act of witnessing. Each canvas becomes a dialogue between presence and absence, between what the eye sees and what memory preserves. In the slow layering of paint, time itself is stretched each brushstroke an echo of stillness in a restless world.

The human face, with all its fragility and strength, remains an inexhaustible subject. It reminds us that individuality is infinite, yet profoundly universal. At Contemporary Istanbul, I will present works that attempt to capture this paradox portraits that are both personal and collective, intimate yet resonant beyond the frame.

Event details
Dates: 24–28 September 2025 (Preview: 24 September)
Venue: Tersane İstanbul
Stand: Hall A, A-115

Contemporary Istanbul, now in its 20th year, is not only a meeting place for artists and collectors, but a living archive of how art mirrors our age. To be part of this edition is to step into that larger conversation.
I welcome you to join me there, to encounter these works in person, and perhaps to recognize in a painted face some reflection of your own story.

With gratitude,
Simay

The fair commenced with a VIP opening on May 1st, followed by public access from May 2nd to May 5th. Simay Kışlaoğlu showcased her works reflecting Turkish art and culture, garnering significant acclaim at the event.

Simay Kışlaoğlu’s inclusion of female portraits in her art, advocating for the strength of women, was particularly notable. Drawing inspiration from the Italian period, Renaissance, and Italian era, the artist reinterpreted the work of renowned artist Sandra Botticelli in her own unique style.

“Reflecting the strength and presence of women in my art is a significant mission for me,” said Simay Kışlaoğlu. Drawing inspiration from the great masters of Italian art, I aimed to emphasize the female figures and their strengths. This exhibition is a step towards women rightfully claiming their place in art and society.

Get ready to embark on a magical journey through the realm of art at World Art Dubai, where dreams come to life on canvas! We’re thrilled to invite you to experience the solo exhibition of the incredibly talented Simay Kışlaoğlu, a celebration of beauty, passion, and creativity.

Event Details:

•   Exhibition Date: May 2nd - May 
•   VIP Opening: May 1st, 19:00 pm
•   World Trade Centre, Dubai Za'abeel Hall w16 

Featured Paintings:

1.  La Vita: Join us as we explore the tapestry of life itself through Simay Kışlaoğlu’s enchanting masterpiece, “La Vita”. Each stroke of her brush whispers tales of resilience, love, and the simple joys of existence.

2.  The Birth of Venus: Step into a world of myth and wonder with Kışlaoğlu’s captivating interpretation of “The Birth of Venus”. Let her art transport you to an ageless realm where beauty reigns supreme.

3.  Paradiso: Lose yourself in the celestial splendor of “Paradiso”, where Kışlaoğlu’s imagination knows no bounds. Allow her to guide you on a journey beyond the stars, where dreams take flight and miracles abound.

Discover Simay Kışlaoğlu’s World:
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary experience! Join us for the VIP opening on May 1st and immerse yourself in the captivating world of Simay Kışlaoğlu’s artistry. To learn more about the artist and her breathtaking portfolio, simply search her name on Google and visit our website on Pages.

Let your heart be your guide as you explore the wonders that await at World Art Dubai!

https://www.worldartdubai.com

Young Artist Simay Kışlaoğlu explained that “My motivation and perspective of being an artist is that, it gives you the opportunity to share your art with the world. You can make a difference in the world by sharing your art and your perspective. Art can inspire change, make people feel certain ways, and it can also beautify our world!”