Artistic Journey
Born in Istanbul on December 28, 1961, Turkish painter Can Maden also produces works in installation and video art. She particularly focuses on the interaction between traditional techniques and contemporary themes. For many years, she has provided theoretical and practical art education in high schools and universities.
"My work explores boundaries between dreams and reality, between form and dissolution. I'm interested in how traditional practices can speak to contemporary concerns, and how materiality itself can become a vehicle for emotional and philosophical inquiry."— Can Maden
Artistic Heritage
The creative household environment significantly shaped her interdisciplinary approach to art.
Sait Maden
Father
Graphic Designer & Typographer
Renowned graphic designer, poet and translator.
Ayten Maden
Mother
Artist & Creative Influence
Children's book illustrator and author, story writer.
Sarp Maden
Brother
Guitarist & Composer
Renowned jazz guitarist and composer.
Artistic Evolution
Can Maden's career has progressed through distinct phases, each marked by unique approaches and innovations.
Installation & Collaborative Works
Focused on installation and video art exploring social themes through collaborative approaches with artists like İlhan Şen and Hüseyin Özinal.
Mixed Media & International Recognition
Developed a distinctive mixed media approach by interpreting miniature tradition with contemporary forms and themes.
Material Innovation & Environmental Focus
Synthesizes earlier approaches with innovative use of materials including coffee, plant extracts, and atmospheric explorations of form and memory.
Life & Career Timeline
Key milestones in Can Maden's artistic and academic journey.
Born in Istanbul
Born into an artistic household in Istanbul, Turkey, on December 28th.
Born to Sait Maden (1931-2013), a pioneering figure in Turkish graphic design and typography who helped establish modern graphic design standards in Turkey.
Kadıköy Anadolu High School
Formative years developing artistic sensibilities.
Participated in several student exhibitions and began experimenting with different artistic media during high school years.
Bachelor and Graduate Fine Arts
Worked in the studios of Özdemir Altan and Adnan Çoker.
Studied under professors such as Adnan Çoker and Neşe Erdok, developing a strong foundation in traditional painting techniques while beginning to explore more contemporary approaches.
Early Professional Experience
Assistant designer in father's graphic studio and TV serial art designer.
Worked as assistant designer in Sait Maden's graphic studio and as assistant art designer for TV serials, gaining practical experience in visual communication.
Master of Fine Arts
Completed MFA in Painting from Mimar Sinan University of Istanbul.
Graduate program in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Painting, further developing artistic practice and theory.
First Exhibition
Töbank Contemporary Art Gallery - Installation and happening with İlhan Şen and Hüseyin Özinal.
First recorded exhibition featuring collaborative installation and performance work, marking the beginning of her professional artistic career.
Museum Studies Master's
Completed Master's in Museum Studies at Yıldız Technical University.
Thesis: 'The contribution of Contemporary Art Biennials to the international art environment in the context of the Venice Biennial'. Advisors: Prof. Özdemir Altan, Prof. Tomur Atagök.
Üsküdar American College
IB and International school teaching.
Art History and Applied Art courses taught in English, beginning her distinguished career in international education.
Robert College Teaching
Taught Studio Art, Advanced Studio Art, Art History, Ceramics, Contemporary Art.
Extensive teaching career at prestigious IB and International school, teaching courses including Painting on Canvas and Creative Arts, all conducted in English.
International Workshop
Savannah College of Art and Design workshops in Louisiana, USA.
Workshops on 'Sculpture with Nature's Materials' and 'Computer Animation', expanding practice into digital and environmental art forms.
Art Therapy Training
Art Therapy workshops exploring intersections of art and psychological healing.
Professional development in art therapy, expanding understanding of art's therapeutic and social applications.
Istanbul Modern Art Museum
Head of Education and Social Projects.
Designed art activities for children with biennial artists, developing influential educational programs that brought contemporary artists into dialogue with diverse audiences.
University Teaching
Taught at Yeditepe University and Koç University.
At Yeditepe: 'Critical Thinking and Writing on Art', 'Art History', 'Visual Culture'. At Koç: Basic Drawing, Contemporary Art, Selected Topics in Art - all in English.
Terakki Vakfı Schools
Art Department Director at Şişli Terakki Schools.
Teaching Studio Art for grades 9-12 and Art History for 10th graders, continuing leadership in international art education.
International Recognition
'Nothing is Exceptional' exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Group show at Greuer & Breckner Art Gallery marked significant international recognition of her work.
Ted Rönesans College
Art Department Director, Btec Art and Design teacher.
Teaching Btec Art and Design (8th and 9th grades) and Studio art (9th grade), with Btec certification, all lessons conducted in English.
Düşçü/Dreamer Exhibition
Solo exhibition at Mine Sanat Deneysel.
Breakthrough solo exhibition showcasing mature artistic style and thematic focus on dreamlike imagery, receiving critical acclaim in Turkish press.
Group Exhibitions
Multiple significant exhibitions including 'Cumhuriyetin Işığında 100 Yıl' and 'Yansımalar ve Kırılmalar'.
Participated in centennial exhibition commemorating the Turkish Republic and group show exploring themes of reflection and fragmentation.
Current Exhibition
'Akıştaki Formlar: Bedenin Anatomisi' at Istanbul Modern.
Major group exhibition exploring the human body in contemporary Turkish art, December 19, 2024 - February 8, 2025.
Current Practice
Materials & Techniques
I use diverse materials to express emotions. My layers of watercolor, ink, coffee, plant extracts, and collage create rich textures that reflect human experiences. These materials help me build depth in my work.
The use of coffee is a nod to my earlier video works that explored the tradition of Turkish coffee fortune-telling as a unique space for female storytelling.
Artistic Philosophy
My art explores how humans connect with nature. I translate what I see and feel in nature into visual poetry. Viewers can find their own stories in the abstract forms and organic textures of my work.
In recent series like "Minyatür Manzara" (Miniature Landscape) and "Sis" (Mist), I combine materials to create atmospheric landscapes that hover between representation and abstraction.