In this imaginative new sculpture by Derya Ozparlak, the figure of a businessman, dressed in a suit and tie, clutching a briefcase and a balloon balances on one foot as if he’s about to fly away. Hand forged in steel; the only colour is the bright blue balloon. The Turkish born artist is known for her provocative work that wrestles with ideas about the perils of corporate capitalist culture and our desire to be free. Emancipation may be the next chapter?

"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.