In Belsize Park, Özlem paints in the house where Piet Mondrian and Ben Nicholson both worked, just before the Second World War. Originally from Istanbul, Özlem loved to paint from an early age and was deeply influenced by the variety and depth of artistic creativity throughout the cultures of the Mediterranean region, from the ancient monuments of Ephesus to the colourful traditional woven handicrafts from the East of Turkey.
Moving to London in 2015 she began to refine her artistic style, while her background in Biology, Botany and passion for science provided a broad conceptual palette. Always curious about and inspired by nature, Özlem focused on the joy of works featuring natural scenes and imaginary worlds. She creates an idea, mixing it with her feelings and daily experience of life in which she is constantly exploring her love of classic cinema and literature, resulting in works with boundless vitality and joy.
Since 2018 Özlem has taken part in various exhibitions around the world, in New York, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK among many others and also appearing in print and online. Her publication include in Capsules Book, ‘Leaders in Contemporary Art’, (Australia), The Art Folio Annual Art Book ‘World’s Most Exciting Artists’ (USA), House and Garden Magazine, and the ‘Covart’ Project in the Copelouzos Family Art Museum (Greece), 365artplus Magazine (Japan).
Recently German art historian&critic Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich wrote an article including her work in Art KunstMagazin. Her awards include ‘Best in Show’ in Texas, ‘Honourable Mention’ award in Tokyo and Precious magazine ‘Top Ten’ awards in Hong Kong.
In 2022 she participated as one of seven artists selected to create giant fibreglass eggs to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth the Second’s Silver Jubilee by Elephant Family, a wildlife charity run by the Royal Family.
Özlem is constantly creating and sending her work to global collectors. Collectors include Anita Dobson&Brian May, Maria Friedman, Andy Nyman.
copyright Özlem Sorlu Thompson
Exhibitions
2023 Times Square Digital Showcase, HMVC ‘Vibrant Visions’, New York City
2023 Solo Exhibition, Hampstead School of Art, London
2023 Boomer Art Prize 20 Finalists Group Exhibition, Boomer Gallery, London
2023 HMVC Gallery New York, Vibrant Visions Online Group Show
2023 Secret Postcard Auction by Combat Stress, Bankside Gallery, London
2023 ‘Arts To Hearts’ Project, Emerging Woman Artist Award Virtual Exhibition
2023 Swiss Art Expo, Switzerland
2022 ‘Eggs of an Era’ by Elephant Family, 7 artists public show for The Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, Sloane Square, Chelsea, London
2022 Secret Postcard Auction by Combat Stress, Bankside Gallery, London
2022 Art on a Postcard, The Bomb Factory, London
2022 ‘To Me, To You’, The Artist’s Workspace Gallery, London
2022 London Coffee Festival, Coffee Art Project
2022 Virtual Artists Summer Art Festival, London
2021 Into the Cosmere, group show, London
2021 Swiss Art Expo, Switzerland
2021 Secret Postcard Auction by Combat Stress, Bonhams Auction House
2021 Keats House Museum, Hampstead Summer Art Fair, London
2021 Copelouzos Family Art Museum, Covart Project, Greece
2021 Virtual Artists Summer Art Festival, London
2020 Boomer Gallery, London; ‘Colour Boom’ Group Show
2020 Online Solo Show by Artists’ Circle Gallery, Texas, USA
2020 Madrid, ‘Summer Tracks’, Spain
2020 Frikifish Barcelona, ‘The Confinement Chronical’, Spain
2020 Talented Art Fair, London
2020 Florence Contemporary Gallery ‘Far But Close’ Group Show, Italy
2019 ‘The Night Collectors’, Group Exhibition, Bateman Street, London
2019 Red Art Gallery, Group Exhibition, London
2019 Creates Gallery, Emerging Artists Prize Group Exhibition, Wales
2018 Group Exhibition, Van Der Plas Gallery, Manhattan, NYC, ‘Call of Walls’
2018 Group Exhibition, Vagabond London, ‘Prints and Patterns’
copyright Özlem Sorlu Thompson
