Born in 1993 in Geislingen an der Steige, Orkan Tan is an artist and educator who embodies the spirit of creative versatility. With a rich tapestry of experiences in retail, dance, and fashion, Tan has seamlessly woven these threads into his artistic practice, guided always by the unwavering anchor of art itself. For him, art is not merely an outlet, but a vital means of self-exploration and connection—a bridge between his inner world and the wider community.
The Art of Orkan Tan: A Journey Through Emotion and Expression
Tan’s creations resonate with personal narrative and emotional depth, crafting environments that invite reflection, healing, and transformation. Each brushstroke, each image, becomes a cathartic release, a pathway to reconnection with self and others.
Upon first encounter, Tan’s abstract works may evoke a sense of discomfort—evocative dark atmospheres, haunting gaping mouths, and fragmented figures emerge alongside sprawling limbs. Yet, within this palpable intensity lies a nuanced interplay: moments of quiet hope, introspection, and illuminating light poignantly peek through the chaos. It is here, in this paradox of obscurity and clarity, that Tan’s artistry thrives.
A multi-disciplinary creator, Tan’s repertoire spans painting, photography, poetry, dance, and video. His commitment to exploring the depths of human experience culminated in his debut solo exhibition in 2023 at a Cologne gallery. Titled “I HOPE WE HEAL FROM THINGS WE DON’T TALK ABOUT,” the showcase provided a raw and unfiltered contemplation of themes such as vulnerability, silence, and emotional resilience.
His latest endeavour, “ZEITGEIST,” emerged from an instinctual desire to encapsulate the spontaneity of raw emotion. Eschewing preconceived outcomes, Tan transformed his living room into a makeshift photo studio, employing a self-timer and his iPhone 15 Pro Max. This whimsical approach allowed him to capture himself in a myriad of expressive poses, each snapshot bearing the weight of spontaneity. Subsequently, these images were intricately selected, distorted, and reimagined on his iPad Pro 6 using the Sketchbook app and Apple Pencil—each piece authentically crafted with the tools at hand.
“ZEITGEIST” encapsulates the tumultuous emotional landscape of the creative process, revealing both the chaos and clarity that characterise Tan’s artistic journey. In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, he insists on a manual, hands-on approach. Each artwork is the result of intentional labour and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the soul of the creative process remains intact and unmediated by technology.
Orkan Tan‘s work is a testament to the enduring power of art as a medium for connection and understanding, inviting all who encounter his pieces to embark on their own journey of introspection and insight.
