About Fulya Alic

Born in 1984 in Istanbul's historic district of Samatya, I have always been captivated by the colorful neighborhoods, winding narrow streets, and rich history of Constantinople and the Ottoman Empire. Despite my deep connection to this miraculous city, I have always identified as an immigrant when asked about my origins.

My father's family migrated to Istanbul from Skopje in the early 1960s, and I have never had the opportunity to visit my ancestral home. Similarly, my mother's parents left Istanbul as young workers and settled in Germany, where my mother was born. Though I have never visited Germany, my family's stories have shaped my life and made me feel like an immigrant from birth.

As I grew older, I too migrated to the other side of the world, settling in Canada. Despite my new home, I continue to identify as an immigrant, rooted in my experiences and family history. In fact, the theme of migration is at the heart of my art, exploring the complex phenomenon that has shaped my life and identity.

As an artist, I am driven by the power of visual storytelling to capture the nuances of migration and the many ways it impacts individuals and communities. Through my paintings, I aim to share my perspective and spark meaningful conversations about the experiences of immigrants, both past and present.