Based in Istanbul, Turkey, artist and graphic designer Ali Gulec has an eye for images that oscillate between the macabre, irreverent, and absurd. Working at his ikiiki Design Studio, Gulec blends traditional illustration with computer imaging to produce prints, collages, even graphic apparel dressed in often-humorous designs as creative as they are confounding.
ALI GULEC
Istanbul, Turkey
Background
“I love using vibrant colours to highlight the main subject of my work. Flowers are the most important tool for me to highlight the cycle of life in my skull-themed works.”
Q&A
What is your goal with your artwork?
I like the challenge of converting something spooky and horrifying into a desirable tool that makes people want to have them. The contradiction and attraction of life and death have always amazed me.
Who/what are your biggest creative influences?
It can be anything. Today we are so lucky to be able to explore the whole world from where we sit. I’m a big fan of Mexican Folk art and I always get inspired from the places I visit.
Do your current or past locations influence your artistic choices?
I’m always inspired by the places I have been. Sometimes a flower from a place I visit will be the core of my next artwork.
What projects are you currently working on?
Currently I’m working on print designs for a fashion brand from Istanbul. I’m always trying to expand my portfolio and explore new ways of displaying my art.
What other hobbies do you have?
Camping and spearfishing. I have two little kids, do they count?
Artistic Tools
Everything starts with a line.
And the line transforms into an idea. So, a pencil is my most important tool.
1. Pencil
2. Photoshop
3. A very old flatbed scanner for glitch art
4. Canon Powershot for still images
Our Happy Customers
Rated 5 out of 5
Ben Iwaniski
A shout out to the artist Ali…Super, super impressive! The only negative I have was the excessive postage cost to ship to Australia. All of that was quickly forgotten though once it arrived ( which was also quick ) and I couldn’t be happier. Well done guys, you have a fantastic system and product.. I’ll be back.👏👍
January 3, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5
Kylie Seger
Love love love! It was the gift I gave myself this Christmas and I couldn’t be more happy with my choice. I bought the 60×60 version and all the images are sharp and clear. From the more saturated colors making up the elements of the skull to the more muted colors in the background, this piece is beautiful. 😍
December 17, 2023
Rated 5 out of 5
Ben Iwaniski
Simply WOW!
Just received my print from you guys and need to say thankyou!
So impressed with everything really….The frame couldn’t of been any simpler to make and just as easy to push the silicone edges in to make the print nice and taught..
For the print itself, just wow! I really wasn’t sure what to expect but the quality of the fabric was superb but the actual print was just knockout amazing!
October 2, 2023
