Leila Heller Gallery is delighted to present Four Birds and One Soul, a solo exhibition by Turkish artist Melis Byuruk, running through 9 March 2025. The exhibition explores the profound connection between the natural world and the human spirit, drawing upon the artist’s mastery of porcelain and the timeless wisdom of Rumi’s Masnavi.
Inspired by the tale of the four birds from the fifth book of Masnavi, the collection presents each bird as a symbolic representation of human nature: Rooster – Lust; Goose – Greed; Crow – Materialism; Peacock – Pride. Through these metaphors, Byuruk delves into the inner struggles of the human ego – the forces that hinder personal liberation. Her porcelain sculptures transform these abstract concepts into tangible forms. These works explore the delicate balance between the fragility and resilience of porcelain, illustrating the struggle between human constraints and the possibility of transcendence.
Byuruk is known for her elaborate creations, which stem from her long-term exploration of the relationship between the natural world and human nature, as well as the search for spirit and individuality. As she mentioned in one interview, “Certain animals pose a serious threat to human evolution, which has been engraved in our DNA. We find some creatures uncomfortable or frightening because of their shape or colour, and that engages our flight response. I think that juxtaposing our age-old, biologically rendered fear with our socially conditioned admiration for flowers is an interesting notion.”
This new body of work takes a more introspective turn, inviting reflection on the barriers that humans create within themselves. This show is a testament to Byuruk’s exceptional artistic skill and an invitation to self-reflection. Through compelling forms, it encourages visitors to confront their inner limitations and consider the possibility of self-liberation.
About the artist
Melis Byuruk (b. 1984), a ceramic artist based in Istanbul and Dubai, studied ceramics at Selçuk University, where she developed an understanding of traditional ceramic forms. Her approach was built on this foundation, and she has developed a practice that combines technical expertise with artistic vision, transforming porcelain into a medium that explores form and texture.
Using large-scale sculptures, Byuruk intertwines elements of the natural world to create imagined landscapes that highlight the harmonious beauty of nature. Her art offers a new perspective on the dialogue between materiality and nature, the human spirit, and uniqueness. It also bridges innovation and tradition, contributing to the ongoing conversation about contemporary ceramic discourse.
Byuruk has participated in numerous exhibitions and art events, including the Abu Dhabi Art Fair (2021), the Step Istanbul Art Fair (2019), and the Fresh Paint Art Fair (Tel Aviv, Israel, 2017), to name a few. She has displayed her works at prominent venues across Turkey and the USA. Her creations are part of significant collections, which include the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
To get more information about Four Birds and One Soul, please go to the official web page of the exhibition.
In addition, you might be interested in looking at the artworks by Michael Rice, which are exhibited at Mestaria Gallery.
