Born in Bursa, Aynur Önürmen developed an interest in ceramic art after moving to Istanbul in 1995, and began creating works in this medium. Drawing on her understanding of form and technique gained from ceramics, she gradually shifted her focus towards sculpture. Initially, her work revolved around shaping clay, but later she incorporated found materials from her studio surroundings, with sponge emerging as a central element in her practice. In both her early busts and her later abstract sponge sculptures, Önürmen employs a simple and abstract visual language. The artist has articulated her central artistic concerns through works that examine the relationships between parts, wholes, and colors, adopting a conceptual framework that moves from part to whole.

By assembling fragmented geometric forms, she creates cohesive structures that evoke organic shapes, while introducing color to explore new plastic effects in her sculptures. This approach becomes increasingly prominent in her recent works, where she uses diverse materials, especially sponges. These sponge pieces are often found objects—industrial byproducts or design remnants that, in Önürmen’s hands, become intentional choices, transforming into plastic forms. These discarded objects become integral components of her works, contributing to the internal and complex structure of the whole. In some cases, she cuts the sponge into shape, while in others she incorporates the found forms without alteration. This approach aligns her practice with the principles of “Art from Waste.” These works, while initially striking the viewer with a sense of solidity, simultaneously provoke a feeling of uncertainty.

They also challenge preconceived notions of sculpture’s permanence—an effect that can be seen as part of the ongoing dialogue within contemporary sculptural practice. Drawing inspiration from Cubist sculpture, Minimalism, and Deconstructivism, Önürmen has explored the fertile ground of abstract art, examining the sculptural and architectural expressions of these movements. Her works not only produce themselves but also pave the way for the emergence of new forms. It is evident that she has synthesized elements from both organic and geometric abstraction, creating a unique artistic language. These sculptures convey a dynamic energy and strong aesthetic sensibility, with color occasionally introducing a mystical atmosphere. In her works, form and color are inseparably intertwined.

When confronting Önürmen’s work, one senses an inherent relationship between material and form. Sponge has become a material that the artist has internalized and embraced, and her unique handling and structuring of this material has led to the development of a distinct artistic language.

Biography

From 1992 to 1995, Aynur Önürmen worked as a Handicrafts instructor at the Bursa Public Education Center. After entering Istanbul’s art scene, she began working in ceramics with İlgi Adalan, and later collaborated with ceramic artist Ayten Turanlı for three years. In 2007, she shifted her focus to sculpture, studying under sculptors Ebru Yılmaz and Kaloshi to build her foundational skills in the medium. Currently, she continues her practice in her studio in Seyrantepe, Istanbul.

Solo Exhibitions

2017- “Part-Whole-Color,” Galeri/Miz, Istanbul
2019- “Transformation,” Galeri/Miz, Istanbul

Group Exhibitions

2011- Summer Exhibition, Antrepo 5, Istanbul
2012- 15th International Lycia/Kaş Culture and Arts Festival, Antalya
2014- “Between and Together,” Ortaköy Cultural Center, Istanbul
2016- “Between and Together,” Ortaköy Cultural Center, Istanbul
2017- “Design in Tomtom Street,” Istanbul
2017- Contemporary Istanbul, Galeri/Miz
2018- Contemporary Istanbul, Galeri/Miz
2019- Contemporary Istanbul, Galeri/Miz
2020- Step Istanbul, Galeri/Miz
2021- “Ongoing Images,” Galeri/Miz
2021- Contemporary Istanbul, Galeri/Miz
2023- “Industrial Landscapes,” Summart, Istanbul
2024- Island Gatherings “In Public Space,” Büyükada
2024- “Between and Together,” Ortaköy Cultural Center, Istanbul
2024- “In Time,” Galeri/Miz, Istanbul
2024- Up Cycle Istanbul, Museum Gazhane, Istanbul