Pastel Dreamscapes: The Surreal Art of Irem Kurban

Irem Kurban is a Turkish-born artist currently based in Berlin who uses pastel pencils to craft surrealistic portraits. Her compositions often mix human figures with curious animal companions, from cats and dogs to fishes and birds. These animals are not just meant to add a playful touch but also act as symbols, carrying layers of introspection and emotional weight.

Her art takes a deep dive into what it means to be human, exploring the ever-changing nature of our thoughts and feelings while highlighting how mind, soul, and memory are all intertwined. She uses striking visual metaphors and detailed symbolism to draw viewers into a quirky, yet slightly eerie world where beauty and intensity go hand in hand.

If you’d like to discover more of Irem Kurban’s imaginative worlds, check out her website and follow her work on Instagram.

More art on the grid via Instagram