Kemal Önsöy

Kemal Önsöy was born in Eğridir in 1954. He graduated from Istanbul State School of Applied Art in 1980. During his study, he studied under Engin İnan and Mustafa Pilevneli. Önsöy experimented with mixed media using the figure and nature as his main source of inspiration. He participated in the exhibition “Sanat78” at AKM in 1979, and since then he regularly presented his works not only in Turkey but also in Italy and Brazil. His first solo exhibition was at the Hobi Art Gallery in 1980. Önsöy worked in New York from 1990 to 1992. He participated in the Venice Biennial in 1990, the 4th Istanbul Biennial in 1995, the 7th Istanbul Biennial in 2001 and San Paulo Biennial in 2002. His works were also exhibited in “the Modern and Beyond 1950-2000” at Santral Istanbul (2007-2008) and “Centre of Gravity” at Istanbul Modern Museum (2005-2006).  His works can be seen in museums and private collections in Turkey. He continues his work in Istanbul.

Reference: beyazart.com; sanalmuze.org; artnet.com; Sotheby’s London Contemporary Art Turkish, 4 March 2009 (London 2009), p. 51 and 102.