Biography
İlker Kayalı was born in Ordu (Turkey) in 1997. Kayalı, who has been studying painting since his primary school years, grew up as a licensed boxer until his high school years. In 2011, after winning Ordu Fine Arts and Sports High School, he left his sports life behind and turned completely to art. In 2013, he worked on poetry and literature at Ordu World Writers House. In 2015, he graduated from fine arts high school and won Ordu University Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Graphic Design. In 2016, he left his education life and continued his art studies in his own workshop. Between 2013-2018, Kayalı, who was interested in music as well as painting and literature, performed his own poems in various concerts and mini concerts. In 2019, he took part in the Cyprus Near East University Painting Museum art workshop and 11 works of the artist were included in the museum collection. Leaving his music and sports life behind in 2018, he decided to settle in Istanbul. He continues his painting and literature works in his studio in Istanbul.
 
İlker Kayalı, who tries to fit all the cycles he has experienced and observed in his works, blends the past and future physical characteristics of humanity on this habitable planet we call Earth, and paints their stories with his own moods, daily and fictional life scenes. It is possible to see these figures, who come from an unknown history and evolve into an infinite cycle, regardless of language, religion, race and life, in the artist’s works with scenes from his own life, past and future. He likes to use thorny cacti and plants, which we often see in his works, as the words of people hurting each other. While he prefers the use of bold colours in objects, he applies many techniques at the same time in his paintings, equalising all the emotions felt and trying to tell us that that moment is almost the best.
Selected Works
  • İlker Kayalı, Aylardır Neredeydin? / Where Have You Been For Months?, 2025
    Aylardır Neredeydin? / Where Have You Been For Months?, 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, Her Şeyin Yokluğu ile Savaşıyorum / I Fight the Absence of Everything, 2025
    Her Şeyin Yokluğu ile Savaşıyorum / I Fight the Absence of Everything, 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, Fotoğraftan Sonra / After the Photo, 2025
    Fotoğraftan Sonra / After the Photo, 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, Bir Yansıma - Bir Bakış / A Reflection - A Look, 2025
    Bir Yansıma - Bir Bakış / A Reflection - A Look, 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, Duvarın Ardında / Behind the Wall, 2025
    Duvarın Ardında / Behind the Wall, 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, 1.Gün / Day 1 , 2025
    1.Gün / Day 1 , 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, Dalgın Kanatların Ardında / Behind Absentminded Wings, 2025
    Dalgın Kanatların Ardında / Behind Absentminded Wings, 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, Kafam Başka Yerde / My Mind is Elsewhere, 2025
    Kafam Başka Yerde / My Mind is Elsewhere, 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, Ölümden Daha Sessiz / Quieter Than Death, 2025
    Ölümden Daha Sessiz / Quieter Than Death, 2025
  • İlker Kayalı, Senden Yana Dönerim, Kendimi Görürüm / Turning Away from You to See Myself, 2024
    Senden Yana Dönerim, Kendimi Görürüm / Turning Away from You to See Myself, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Margarita / Margherita, 2024
    Margarita / Margherita, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Oda İçinde Oda / Room Within a Room, 2024
    Oda İçinde Oda / Room Within a Room, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Ev / Home, 2024
    Ev / Home, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Otoportre / Self-portrait, 2024
    Otoportre / Self-portrait, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Bay İ. - N2 / Mr. I - N2, 2024
    Bay İ. - N2 / Mr. I - N2, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Yeşil Rehber / Green Book, 2024
    Yeşil Rehber / Green Book, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Bay İ. - N2 / Mr. I - N1, 2024
    Bay İ. - N2 / Mr. I - N1, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Kurtlar Sofrası / Table of Wolves, 2024
    Kurtlar Sofrası / Table of Wolves, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Kapıdan İçeri Giren Soğuk Gibi Kendimi Sana Anlattım / Telling You About Myself Like a Cold Coming in, 2024
    Kapıdan İçeri Giren Soğuk Gibi Kendimi Sana Anlattım / Telling You About Myself Like a Cold Coming in, 2024
  • İlker Kayalı, Derinden - İçimden / Deep Inside Me, 2024
    Derinden - İçimden / Deep Inside Me, 2024
EXHIBITIONS
Fairs