Originally from Ankara, Turkey, Hazal Ozturk lives and works in New York City. Although she holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry, she now works as a software developer by day and an artist by night. Having a multidisciplinary background has informed her body of work in a unique way. Her diverse professional background helps her to see the world from a different perspective and this is reflected in her art. Using her art and portraying the world through lenses and canvases, she seeks to communicate a message of evolution and finding inner peace.

Her work has been exhibited in galleries in Albany and Saratoga Springs, New York, as well as Lincoln, Nebraska. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Albany Center Gallery, a nonprofit art gallery in Albany, NY. In 2019, she was selected as a participating artist for Albany’s ​"Downtown is Pawsome" public art project. One of her works, “The Universe, 2017,” was included in the set design for Capital Rep Theater‘s show, “Paris Time” from January to February, 2018.

"Art is one of the key differentiators between us and other species. It’s a reflection of evolution. Art fulfills the emotional needs of evolved humans. As a self-taught artist, I’ve been controlling my evolution and sharing this process with others."

Learn more about Hazal and her creative process in our Inside the Studio interview with her on our blog.