AWC Contemporary Gallery is pleased to host Defne Önen as part of its Artist Residency Program at Miori Göcek.

Working primarily with hand-built ceramics, Önen explores the relationship between time, memory, and material through a sculptural language rooted in the structural logic of weaving and textile traditions. Her rhythmic process of construction transforms clay into vessels and abstract forms that investigate movement, connection, and the dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary sculpture.

Her practice has been shaped by international research and residency experiences, including Clay Kitchen in Portugal, where she studied wood firing, traditional Portuguese tile-making, and glaze chemistry, and Icheon, South Korea, where she worked alongside onggi master Kwak Kyung Tae to further develop her hand-building techniques. These experiences continue to inform a distinctive artistic language that bridges historical ceramic traditions with contemporary sculptural expression.

During her residency at Miori Göcek, Önen will further develop her ongoing research, engaging with the unique landscape and atmosphere of the region while creating new works that reflect the dialogue between material, place, and memory.

The artworks above are from her Rhythms series shown at Alcova Milan Design Week 2025 with Zarolat in Dumbo, Brooklyn.