Just Funda

Born and raised in the Netherlands, I am one half of an identical twin and of Turkish descent.

Art, in the broadest sense of the word, has moved me all my life. My first artistic expressions were dance and theatre. To me, they have always been intertwined.

During my teenage years, I started creating with my hands, mainly using acrylic paint on found objects rather than on canvas. To me, almost anything can become a canvas. I have never limited myself to traditional materials or surfaces. At the same time, I continued pursuing dance and acting. I was fortunate enough to earn some money through dance by performing and giving workshops. Later, I had a few modest opportunities in acting. However, it was difficult to pursue because of my ethnic background and the specific demands of the industry.

Throughout those years, I kept creating with my hands but never really knew what to do with my work. I often gave my pieces away or simply threw them in the bin. God knows where those works have ended up over the years.

Alongside making art, I work in education, which is such a blessing.

Much later in life, I returned to creating visual art. Although I began on canvas, I soon realised that the traditional approach wasn't where I felt most at home. My work naturally evolved into assemblage art, combining different materials, textures, and found objects into layered compositions. I don't see canvas as the only starting point. For me, almost any object has the potential to become part of an artwork.

Sometimes I work conceptually, and sometimes I create without a concept at all. I follow intuition, inspiration, and curiosity. I simply create whatever challenges me or asks to come into existence. Above all, I make what is presented to my spirit.

Funda (Just Funda)