Derya Ozparlak’s provocative sculptures wrestle with ideas about escape, belonging and freedom. In this new piece, a young woman appears to be hanging on to a balloon for dear life. Forged from steel and highly polished, the woman is wearing a short dress, her feet are bare, her long hair trails behind her. The only colour is the shiny red resin balloon.’ Let it go.’

"The balloons evolved into an open concept representing the illusions people feel about hope and freedom. In reality, many people are tied to their past and that prevents them from truly realizing future aspirations." - Derya Ozparlak

Since completing a BFA from the Anadolu University in Turkey, Ozparlak has exhibited in group and solo shows in Canada and internationally in Italy, Spain, Turkey, Lebanon, and the US. She now lives and works in Toronto. Ozparlak's highly detailed sculptures are held in private and corporate collections in Canada and internationally in Istanbul, Berlin, and Capri.