Nilbar Güreş

Nilbar Güreş (b. 1977) is a Turkish contemporary artist known for her work in various mediums, including photography, video, and performance art. Nilbar Güreş work is characterized by a critical approach to traditional cultural narratives using mixed media to reflect elements from her Kurdish and Turkish heritage. The common thread in her work is the representation of femininity within the landscape of cross cultural identities.

Early life and education
Born in Istanbul, Turkey (b. 1977), Nilbar Güreş received a B.A. in painting from Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts in Istanbul. She continued her studies in Vienna at the Academy of Fine Arts where she received an M.A. in painting & graphics. She went on to further her studies at the Academy of Fine Arts specializing in Art and Textile Pedagogy.

Career
Güreş has established a notable international presence in the art world with exhibitions across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. She has participated in various group and solo exhibitions, including notable art venues and biennials. She has had many solo and group exhibitions, including five Biennales in Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Brazil. In these exhibitions Güreş used their chromogenic prints. While still active in her career, Güreş's impact can be noted in her innovative use of materials and the provocative themes in her works, which encourage dialogue about gender and cultural identity in contemporary society.


 * In 2009, Güreş showed her series Unknown Sports at ‘What Keeps Mankind Alive’, the 11th Biennale in Istanbul. These works depicted women on different Gymansitic’s apparatuses or in different parts of the gym using kitchen ware and clothing to complete different tasks. In all of these pieces the women are presented as the main subject are strong and steady despite being in motion or balancing precariously on bowls and beams.
 * In 2010 she released her series TrabZONE, the image Junction captures two women at a crossroad. This symbolization aligns with themes of racial identity and femininity that are present in her other pieces. In another piece in this series the wife is the main subject but her face is covered by household quilts that she is carrying. This piece follows the same suit as the other images in the series because none of the women’s faces are seen.
 * That same year, she released the series that depicted women from just outside Istanbul with digital photographs. Some of these images emulated family portraits and others had women in obscure poses that represented different power dynamics.
 * In 2014 her quilted piece was shown in a multi-sensory exhibit curated at the Van Abbemuseum.
 * In 2017, Güreş expanded into the third dimension with a mixed media sculpture piece, Hey, Hairy Fire, Don’t Fall Asleep.
 * 1m 2021, Güreş completed her most recent work, which was a black and white photography series, a territory that Güreş has yet to have published work in.

Artistic style and influence
Güreş's artistic practice includes a wide range of media and is known for its explorative and provocative nature. She often uses textiles, collages, and staged photographs to challenge conventional roles imposed on women by society. Her work is influenced by her cross-cultural experiences, living and working between Turkey and Austria.

Major works
Some of her notable works include "Clothed House", which features homes covered in traditional fabrics, and "Open Phone Booth", a commentary on public and private spaces in modern society.


 * Her artworks are part of collections in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, with a majority of the galleries being eurocentric. The work that put Güreş on the map was Unknown Sports, which has been shown in multiple museums and galleries, including the Istanbul Biennale.

Awards and recognition

 * Güreş has received numerous awards and fellowships throughout her career, reflecting her contribution to contemporary art and her engagement with sociocultural issues.
 * All of the Awards she has won have been in Europe which speaks to where her practice is centered. This list of awards aligns with the roots of her artistic education
 * 2023: Outstanding Artist Award for Photography, Ministry for Arts And Culture, Vienna, Austria; Research Grant, Ministry for Arts and Culture Austria
 * 2021: Prix Maud Mottier Award, Switzerland
 * 2018: De'Longhi Art Projects Artist Award, United Kingdom
 * 2015: BC21 (Belvedere Contemporary) Art Award, Austria
 * 2014: Msgr. Otto Mauer Award, Austria
 * 2013: Professor-Hilde-Goldschmidt-Award, Austria