A Sonic Landscape Painter

Gökçen Dilek Acay’s artistic journey began in Istanbul, Turkey, where she absorbed the vibrant energy of a city steeped in history and tradition – an influence that would subtly permeate her distinctive approach to artmaking. Studying music at Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi and Fine Arts at Bauhaus Universität Weimar provided her with foundational knowledge not only in musical composition but also in experimental aesthetics, shaping her worldview and informing her artistic explorations. Her work transcends conventional boundaries between disciplines; Acay operates seamlessly across sound improvisation, electroacoustic music, free jazz, echtzeitmusik (realtime music), noise music, and immersive installation art performances. This multifaceted practice reflects a deep fascination with the relationship between sound and visual perception—a core concept that consistently appears in her artistic endeavors. She doesn’t merely depict scenes; she seeks to translate sonic experiences into tangible forms, creating artworks that resonate with movement and transformation. Acay's artistic vision finds its roots in explorations of the human body and its interaction with space. Her pieces often incorporate kinetic elements—movement triggered by sound or responding to environmental conditions—demonstrating a commitment to capturing fleeting moments and conveying emotional nuance. This approach aligns closely with the principles of Echtzeitmusik, which prioritizes immediacy and responsiveness, mirroring Acay’s desire to engage viewers in an active dialogue with her art. The Bauhaus influence is palpable in her meticulous attention to detail and her exploration of geometric forms alongside organic textures. Like Josef Albers' color studies, Acay utilizes carefully considered palettes to evoke specific moods and sensations, emphasizing the interplay between color and sound—a technique that elevates her installations beyond mere visual spectacle. Her artistic explorations delve into themes of metamorphosis and change, mirroring the Bauhaus ethos of experimentation and innovation. Notable achievements include solo performances at prestigious venues internationally, showcasing her ability to command audiences with captivating sonic narratives. Furthermore, Acay’s collaborative projects have garnered critical acclaim for their conceptual depth and artistic merit. Her work contributes to a broader conversation about contemporary art's role in challenging perceptions and fostering empathy—a testament to her dedication to pushing creative boundaries and enriching the cultural landscape. Gökçen Dilek Acay continues to refine her artistic practice, cementing her position as a significant voice within the realm of sonic art and experimental visual culture.

• Education
• 2024 Thüringer Landesstipendien for Visual Arts
• 2024 IFA - Künstlerkontakt for Beijing Shangyuan Art Museum
• 2022 SAHA Association for International Projekt Grand Istanbul for Exhibition Projekt in Japan
• 2022 NEUSTART KULTUR-Stipendium
• 2021 Freistaats Thüringen Landesstipendium für Bildendenkunst, Germany
• 2015 Young Türkish Artist 3. Preis organised by by Maçka Art Gallery Istanbul

• Residency Program
• 2024 Shangyuan Art Museum in Huangshan City with support by IFA
• 2023/2024 Baldreit Stipendium, Baden Baden
• 2023 Palbok Art Factory, KR
• 2022 Tra /Travel Artist Residency support with SAHA Foundation Turkey, Osaka
• 2020 BBK Atelierprogramm in Berlin
• 2020 TAV Residency, Taipei (6 Months)
• 2018 Dialogfeldern, Klub Solitaer e.v. , Chemnitz (1 Month)
• 2016 Yarat Artist Program, Baku (3 Months)
• 2016 SulcisHub Artist Program, Bjcem, Tratalias (10 days)
• 2016 Gyeonggi Creation Center Artist Program, South Korea (1 Month)
• 2015 Cite des Arts, support by IKSV, Paris (3 Months)
• 2015 WTA Artist Program, Barcelona (3 Months)
• 2014 Kunstnerhuset Messen, Alvik, NO (2 Months)
• 2013 LKV Artist Program, Trondheim, NO (2 Months)
• 2013 Watermill Center, USA (1 Month)
• 2011 Beijing Shangyuan Art Space (3 Months)

• Solo Exhibition
• 2025 “Have you ever touched a Bug's Belly?”, ACC Galery Weimar
• 2024 “Knapp unter dem Himmel”, Altes Dampfbad, Baden Baden, DE
• 2025 “Fact Fakes Fear”, Eigenheim Gallery Weimar
• 2024 “Humor my love,Humor!”, Roam Project Spacwe, Berlin
• 2024 “Kurhaus” Baden Baden Stadt Museum
• 2024 “DIE KUNST IST EINE TOCHTER DER FREIHEIT”, Eigenheim Gallery
• 2024 “Material Unseen”,Druckwerktatt, Bethanian Berlin

• 2023 “The Waters you touched now turned to concrete”, Haunt Berlin, DE
• 2023 “Change+Certainty”, Ipapnamu Hall, Palbok Arts Factory, KR
• 2023 “Blühende Landschaften”, Kunstfest Weimar, Jenaer Kunstverrein, Jena
• 2023 “Looking at the Same Horizont”, Gallery Nev Istanbul
• 2023 “Wir machen Druck”, Eigenheim Gallery Weimar
• 2023 “ThisPlay”, curated by Emre Baykal, Arter Gallery Istanbul
• 2022 “Dirty Talking – Thüringer Verführungen”, Acc Gallery, Kunstfest Weimar
• 2022 “THE WATERMILL CENTER ANNUAL SUMMER BENEFIT”, New York
• 2022 “Reflecting Nature II”, Kunsthalle Erfurt
• 2021 “The Seventh Valley”, Gallery Nev Istanbul, TR
• 2021 “Kollektion Kollektiv”, Gallery Eigenheim in Berlin
• 2020 “Conquest of the Useless: the realistic style of gloom” TAV guest artist, Taipei
• 2019 “Words are very unnecessary” curated by Selen Ansen, Arter, Istanbul

• Publication
• 2022 ‘Künstler Edition’ Vynl Format 100 Stück /
• Artist Catalogue Thüringen Landesstipendium für Bildende Kunst /
• 2021