Hilal Uzuner (1999) Raised in the Netherlands in a Turkish household, Hilal's art reflects the complexities of living between two cultures. Her work explores themes of heritage, religion, and personal identity, capturing everyday moments, rituals, and stories. By blending traditional and contemporary elements, she celebrates the beauty and richness of both her backgrounds. Her faith adds a spiritual layer to her exploration of cultural and personal narratives, navigating the in-between spaces where her experiences and inner conflicts arise. Hilal's work is a reflection of her ongoing journey to understand herself and her place in the world. Through her art, she aims to foster understanding, challenge preconceived notions, and celebrate the diverse elements that shape her identity. hiliuum@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/hilaluzunr/ education & programs 2025 University of Arts Utrecht Utrecht, NL Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design 2020 - 2024 St. Joost School of Art & Design Breda, NL BA Illustrated & Animated storytelling 2016 - 2020 Mediacollege Amsterdam, NL Audiovisual production internships & residencies 2025 Oops I arted Residency Destelheide BE funded by Jint, Destelheide, European Union and Erasmus Youth 2023 internship at Uitgeverij Loopvis Arnhem, NL exhibitions + honors 2025 "Oversteken in stilte", group exhibition, Turnhout, BE Small Press Award, Cross Comix, 3rd place "Wachttijd" with KOP, commissioned by NS and ProRail, Breda, NL Skate expo Kunst Is Leuk group exhibition, Almere, NL 2024 Now Show graduation show, St. Joost School of Art & Design, Breda, NL Bon Vivant group exhibition, Breda, NL Creative Co.LaB group exhibition, Breda, NL 2023 Cultuurdome group exhibition, Almere, NL publications 2024 Şafak (Dageraad) featured Kunstloc Brabant De Optimist Hard//hoofd Dwarsdenkers podcast Uitgeverij Loopvis

HILAL UZUNER • art • illustration • video • about SHOW THUMBNAILS Hilal Uzuner

Unexpected frames Moving in limited spaces

Obscura (Hybrid Identities) is an ongoing research project into how anonymity can provide freedom both online and offline. I find it hard to express myself freely in real life and online, because I always have to stick to a certain framework of what is considered acceptable and what is not. This often holds me back in how I present myself. With hybrid identities, I can maintain anonymity. No one knows which part belongs to whom, apart from the face. What happens when I change the order of the images? Does a story or interaction emerge between the characters? And what perspectives arise for an outsider who views the collages? Does color, texture, or imperfection play a role? A world where identity is fluid, unrecognizable, and composite. What makes anonymity so important to me? What questions does this project raise for me? What would I like to learn or explore that I don’t yet know? How does it feel to show identity in layers? When do I feel most ‘myself’? When do I feel most anonymous or invisible? What are the things I’d rather keep hidden? And why? How does my cultural background play a role in how I perceive myself? How do I change my presentation depending on the environment or medium?

'Şafak' (Dawn) / June 2024, Dutch/ Risography/ 32 pages "Şafak" reminisces about my childhood gatherings with my mother and her friends, where Turkish coffee played a central role, highlighting sincere conversations and the bonds of female friendship. It evokes nostalgia with warmth, cherished moments, and the strong aroma of Turkish coffee.

Unexpected frames 2025 Video Obscura // Hybrid Identities 2025 Photography, collage Wat moet ik doen om te bewijzen dat ik van je hou? 2024 Zine Şafak (Dawn) 2024 Zine

Wat moet ik doen om je te bewijzen dat ik van je hou? (What do I need to do to prove my love for you?) / July 2024, Dutch/ pencil on thin Japanese paper/ 16 pages An inner dialogue.

education & programs 2016 - 2020 Mediacollege Amsterdam, NL Audiovisual production 2020 - 2024 St. Joost School of Art & Design Breda, NL BA Illustrated & Animated storytelling 2023 internship at Uitgeverij Loopvis Arnhem, NL 2025 Oops I arted Residency Destelheide BE funded by Jint, Destelheide, European Union en Erasmus Youth 2025 University of Arts Utrecht Utrecht, NL Master of Arts in Fine Art and Design exhibitions + nominations 2025 Small Press Award, 3rd place, Rotterdam NL "Wachttijd" with KOP, commissioned by NS and ProRail, Breda, NL Skate expo Kunst Is Leuk group exhibition, Almere, NL 2024 Now Show graduation show, St. Joost School of Art & Design, Breda, NL Bon Vivant group exhibition, Breda, NL Creative Co.LaB group exhibition, Breda, NL 2023 Cultuurdome group exhibition, Almere, NL publications 2024 Şafak (Dageraad) featured De Optimist Hard//hoofd Dwarsdenkers podcast Uitgeverij Loopvis