In this dynamic sculpture by Derya Ozparlak, the slender figure of a young woman in a dress and ballerina slippers, long locks flying behind her, is being carried aloft by the wind as she clutches a bouquet of brightly coloured balloons—in red, yellow, green, and blue. The Turkish born artist’s stunning finely hand-hammered steel sculptures are designed to represent modern capitalism; the culture that binds us to our work and limits our freedom. The tension between the earthly reality of the human condition and the lofty desire to escape is a favourite theme.

"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.