Meet Ozlem Yeni

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ozlem Yeni.

Hi Ozlem, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Looking back, I realize that deciding to become an artist was only half the journey—no one ever tells you how the rest will unfold. For me, the decision was clear from a young age, but the path to getting there was anything but straightforward. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to share my story here, to reflect on the twists and turns that have shaped my journey, and to hopefully inspire others navigating their own creative paths.

Growing up in Türkiye, I was always fascinated by art history and the lives of artists, yet I wasn’t sure how that passion would translate into my own artistic career. My mind wandered between architecture and journalism as safer options, fearing that pursuing art might lead to failure. But deep down, I knew I had to take the risk.

My early years were filled with determination, balancing work to support myself while spending every free moment immersed in drawing, visiting exhibitions, and absorbing every piece of knowledge I could find. I faced setbacks—failing entrance exams for fine arts programs more than once—but I refused to give up. When I finally earned my place at university, I embraced every challenge, spending late nights honing my skills and diving into various artistic disciplines.

After completing my Ph.D. in Theatre Stage Design and working as a lecturer for nearly two decades, my artistic path took a new turn. Seeking more personal expression, I left academia and moved to Australia, where I fully dedicated myself to my art. There, I had the incredible opportunity to open The Main Gallery, the first art gallery in Australia founded by a Turkish artist. It became a space for connection, dialogue, and cultural exchange—something that had always been at the heart of my artistic journey.

Now, having recently relocated to the United States, I continue to explore new creative frontiers. My work has always been deeply rooted in memory, migration, and the spaces we inhabit, and as I navigate another new chapter, I am excited to see how these themes will evolve.

Every step—whether it was opening a gallery in a foreign country, adapting to new artistic landscapes, or simply taking a risk on myself—has shaped me into the artist I am today. And the journey is far from over.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that no creative path is ever smooth. And if it were, I don’t think it would be nearly as fulfilling. Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped me, pushed me forward, and in many ways, defined my artistic voice.

One of the earliest struggles I encountered was simply breaking into the art world. Growing up in Türkiye, pursuing a career in art wasn’t exactly seen as a secure choice. There was always an underlying pressure to choose a more stable profession, something with clearer prospects. But I couldn’t let go of the pull I felt toward artistic expression. Getting into art school wasn’t easy—I faced multiple rejections before finally being accepted into a fine arts program. That experience alone taught me resilience, the importance of persistence, and the value of believing in my own vision even when the path ahead wasn’t certain.

Later, after spending nearly two decades in academia as a lecturer in stage design, I took another leap—leaving behind a stable career to pursue my own artistic practice full-time. That transition was both exhilarating and terrifying. I moved to Australia, where I had to start over in many ways. I was adapting to a new culture, finding my place in an unfamiliar art scene, and navigating the challenges of being an immigrant artist. I opened The Main Gallery in the heart of Adelaide in the middle of a global pandemic, which, looking back, was both a bold and daunting decision. There were moments of uncertainty—wondering if people would connect with my work, if the gallery would sustain itself, if I had made the right choice. But what I discovered was that art has an incredible way of building bridges. It became not just a gallery, but a space for community, collaboration, and dialogue.

Most recently, relocating to the United States has presented its own set of challenges. Each move I’ve made—whether from Türkiye to Australia or from Australia to the U.S.—has meant starting fresh, finding new networks, and rebuilding a sense of belonging. But I’ve come to embrace the uncertainty, knowing that every change brings new opportunities for growth and exploration.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced isn’t just external—it’s the internal dialogue that comes with being an artist. The moments of uncertainty, the times I questioned whether I was on the right path, or if my work truly resonated. But I’ve come to understand that these questions don’t diminish my journey; they are part of it. Every step, every challenge, and every shift in direction has shaped me into the artist I am today. Rather than seeing doubt as an obstacle, I now recognize it as a sign of growth—an invitation to dig deeper, to refine, and to evolve. The creative path is rarely linear, but it’s in that unpredictability where the most profound discoveries happen.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an artist working across painting, sculpture, ceramics, and installation, my practice is deeply rooted in exploring themes of memory, identity, and human connection. Growing up immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Türkiye and enriched by my experiences living in Australia and now the United States, I aim to create work that highlights our shared human values. My art focuses on the importance of unity and the value of memory in shaping who we are and who we aspire to be.

What sets my work apart is its heartfelt approach to storytelling through diverse mediums. Each piece I create is a reflection of my belief in embracing cultural richness while emphasizing the universal aspects that connect us all. I am particularly proud of founding The Main Gallery in Adelaide, Australia, which became a vibrant space for artistic exchange and community engagement. Collaborating with institutions like the Queensland Music Festival and Mount Isa Regional Art Gallery has further shaped my journey.

Ultimately, my work is a continuous dialogue with the past, present, and future, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own stories and the connections that bind us together as humans. My commitment to fostering understanding through art is what drives me every day.

What makes you happy?
Finding moments of connection—whether through art, conversation, or simple shared experiences—brings me the greatest happiness. I believe we are all shaped by the people we meet, the places we visit, and the stories we exchange. A heartfelt conversation, an unexpected act of kindness, or the quiet beauty of a fleeting moment reminds me of the richness of being alive.

At the same time, I see my art as an extension of these connections, a way to capture and reflect the depth of human experience. Just as we learn about past civilizations through the art they left behind, I like to think that everything we create, share, and express is a message to the future. Whether through a painting, a memory, or simply the way we exist in the world, we are constantly shaping the narratives of those who come after us—and that thought fills me with joy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ozlemyeni.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozlemyenifineart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozlemyenifineart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozlem-aliyazicioglu-yeni-artist/

Image Credits
Serkan Kirbaci, Nurdan Aliyazicioglu