Zeynep Boyan, an artisan of art who explores identity through the interaction of objects, spaces, and materials

The artist and designer Zeynep Boyan creates abstract and biomorphic sculptures, furniture, and functional objects. Through her work, she explores themes of identity, connection, and belonging by activating the interplay between objects, spaces, and materials. Her process merges centuries-old techniques and materials, resulting in unique, entirely hand-crafted pieces.

Her sculptures are the result of personal pilgrimages and reflection. She draws inspiration from her surrounding environments and the places that have shaped her career: the chaotic architecture of Istanbul, the landscapes of Leuven, historical and architectural artifacts, and the tension created by the juxtaposition of old and new buildings in Montreal. But also, from her emotional connections to nature and other human beings. Below, we present a selection of her recent works.

Units series

Units are sculptural objects intended for storing everyday items. Each abstract, biomorphic UNIT is designed to provide generous storage space while acting as a sculptural presence. Each unique edition, featuring a signature sculptural handle, is carefully shaped, built, and finished by hand in Montreal using only stoneware clay—lending a tactile, organic quality that echoes both the paper and terracotta aesthetic. These pieces exemplify digital craftsmanship, juxtaposing additive manufacturing with traditional handcraft.

P series

Inspired by her visits to art galleries, the P series is an homage to the maquettes of her favorite sculptors—often displayed behind glass as preliminary studies or prototypes for larger works. This series features miniature sculptural forms mounted on pedestals, inviting viewers to connect with both the form and material. Some are glazed, while most display a raw, stone-like texture. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, sculpted and finished by hand using a blend of techniques.

Sculpture for Albéric

This commissioned piece draws inspiration from the movement of water and the music of Hiroshi Yoshimura. The work evolved organically as Boyan listened to Yoshimura’s sounds and was drawn to the motion of waves and tides. The resulting biomorphic sculpture represents a splash or a bending wave—fluid, graceful, and contemplative.

Relief series

Relief—from the Italian relievare, meaning “to lift”—is a sculptural technique in which figures project from a flat background. This series builds on that concept, integrating sculpted forms that remain attached to a solid terracotta stoneware base. The carvings vary in height, shape, and freeform detailing, with different degrees of detachment from the background surface.

The collection is inspired by a variety of artifacts and design traditions, particularly the black cast-iron stoves and ceramic tiles (kachelofen) used as masonry heating systems during the German Renaissance.

Offspring

The term Offspring typically denotes the result of reproduction—a creation brought into existence. It ensures the continuation of a species, always under the protection and possession of its creator.

This sculptural study offers layered reflections on motherhood and fertility. It challenges conventional societal norms around these themes and reconsiders reproduction through a lens of intellectual curiosity rather than biological legacy. The piece is part of Boyan’s ongoing personal dialogue about the many meanings of creation and continuity.

Zeynep Boyan

Zeynep studied film and has lived in Istanbul, Brussels, Montreal, and currently Munich. Each of these places has deeply shaped her understanding of belonging and identity, and has influenced her material sensitivity and creative expression. Over time, she has developed a strong interest in natural, historical, and architectural artifacts, exploring the balance between old and new, the ephemeral pace of contemporary life, and traditional artisanal methods.

Since 2021, her work has been exhibited at Dubai Design Week, Dutch Design Week, London Design Festival, IDS Toronto, Souk Montréal, and NYC Design Week. She recently completed a residency with the Canadian lighting company Luminaire Authentik. Their collaboration will culminate in a lighting collection to be released later this year.

Source: Zeynep Boyan

Project by Zeynep Boyan