Taking off the Blinders

About Taking off the Blinders

Turkish-born Derya Ozparlak is known for her provocative and uniquely beautiful hand-hammered sculptures. Rendered in fine detail, a steel rendering of horse blinders is carried upwards by glossy red balloons. Derya Ozparlak's sculptures often illustrate the human struggle for emancipation.

"Since I began working in Canada, the metaphor of the balloon concept has developed. When I observed a downtown area, it was dominated by skyscrapers. I always saw the same problem with white-collar workers. They were in a rush, working very hard. So, I said to myself, they are living in an invisible prison and that has never changed." -Ozparlak

Since completing a BFA from the Anadolu University in Turkey, Ozparlak has exhibited in Toronto, Chicago, Almeria in Spain, Beirut, Berlin, New York City, Palermo and across Turkey. Her artwork is held in private and corporate collections in Canada, Istanbul, Berlin, and Capri.