The New Gaze: Gender, Taboo, and Investment Dynamics in Pelda Aytas’ Art
- Cenk Üsel
- Jul 5
- 3 min read
Artist Pelda Aytas, who recently held her first solo exhibition called ‘Naaile’ at Gülden Bostanci Gallery, distinguishes herself through her depictions of the inverted male gaze, explorations of body politics, and the ebb and flow of gender roles in modern Turkish society. Combined with her masterful use of medium and the rare institutional recognition she has received, Aytas’s artworks present a promising investment opportunity in the Turkish art market.
Color, Contrast, and Contemporary Context
The artist’s keen aesthetic sensibility profoundly shapes her paintings. Her use of color, layered portraits, and striking figurative contrasts sets her work apart from her contemporaries. Art historical influences in her practice range from the introspective impressionism of Van Gogh to the provocative, sexuality-driven metaphors of Tracey Emin, elevating her work to new heights. By engaging with themes such as the distinction between the nude and the naked, and exploring the inner tensions of Turkish family taboos and dynamics, she brilliantly captures the zeitgeist of contemporary Turkey.
Needlework as Political Art
Her choice of medium reflects the labor and embroidery traditions of Turkish housewives, drawing on the nostalgia of daily life and the interplay between past and present stories within the home. This approach weaves together both personal and collective memories of Turkish culture. The use of embroidery not only symbolizes the skill and resilience of women, but also alludes to the industrialization of the textile industry in Turkey and the transformation of needlework into a form of political art.
Debuting Beyond Istanbul & Institutional Endorsement
To the best of public knowledge, the artist’s work has been included in neither a major contemporary collection nor an international exhibition. Although she has exhibited in Istanbul to varying degrees, her decision to hold her first solo show at a gallery space outside of Istanbul is a noteworthy and uncommon choice for an emerging artist. This collaboration between the artist and the gallery reflects a strategic and thoughtful approach to her career, allowing her to grow and establish herself within the gallery’s valuable ecosystem. It stands as evidence of a promising and successful partnership.
From the perspective of institutional support and critical endorsement, it is important to highlight artist Taner Ceylan’s backing of her work. Ceylan has publicly expressed his admiration for her art on several occasions through social media and supported her art with his mentorship. While he is known for supporting emerging talents, his endorsements are rare and discerning. His support in this instance is no exception, and it holds significant value both for the artist and for the broader art community.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
As an emerging artist, Pelda Aytas possesses a distinct vision, refined taste, and unique talent that sets her apart from other painters of her generation. The art historical gestures and themes she explores, her diverse influences, and her boldness in depicting the inner workings of Turkish society all support the view that her work represents a compelling investment opportunity. Although the future art market value of her art remains uncertain, Aytas already demonstrates many of the qualities necessary for greater success and higher market valuations. In a time when the supply of emerging artists is high, quality varies, and prices are often unsubstantiated, her work deserves greater attention than ever.
* All images in this article are protected by copyright and are the property of the artist Pelda Aytas and Gülden Bostanci Gallery.
* The views expressed in this article are solely personal opinions and should not be considered as investment advice.
Cenk Usel
Art Market Professional
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