Biography & Artist Statement

Merve Kizil (b. 1988, Türkiye) is a multidisciplinary artist now based in Amsterdam since 2020. With a formal background in theatre and acting, and a degree in Business Management, Kizil brings a unique blend of emotional insight and practical sensibility to her artistic practice.

Before relocating to the Netherlands, she worked professionally as an actress, performing in both television series and theatre productions. Her training in acting, particularly in understanding human emotion and interpersonal dynamics, deeply influences her visual work today.

Although she has been part of the creative world since childhood, painting has always been her most personal and fulfilling form of expression. Since moving to Amsterdam, she has devoted herself fully to painting, creating works that explore inner emotional landscapes, especially from the perspective of a woman navigating identity, displacement, and transformation.

Her earlier series, “Observed by the Earth” draws inspiration from Anatolian myths and the concept of the Earth as a silent observer. These works incorporate materials like sea salt and ink alongside acrylics to evoke a connection to nature and heritage.

In her more recent work, Kizil turns inward, exploring female emotions, identity, and strength, often questioning societal roles, intimacy, and resilience. Her process is intuitive and emotional: she does not work from sketches but paints directly onto canvas or paper, allowing the moment and her feelings to guide the creation.

Merve Kizil continues to expand her portfolio with dedication and authenticity, working almost daily from her Amsterdam studio.