By Cansu Peker

Erdoğan Paksoy is a Turkish visual artist whose work bridges classical fine arts and contemporary digital practices. Trained in traditional techniques, he began integrating digital tools into his practice during the pandemic, drawn by a growing curiosity for new media and technology. His entry into the NFT space marked a major milestone, expanding his international reach and allowing his work to find collectors and collaborators across the globe.

Inspired by dystopian narratives, Erdoğan’s art often explores themes like chaos, isolation, trauma, and the uneasy relationship between humanity and nature. Whether working on canvas or screen, he infuses each piece with emotional memory, personal history, and philosophical weight.

We asked Erdoğan about his art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

My background was shaped through a classical fine arts education. However, over time, my curiosity for technology and new media led me to explore digital art. During the pandemic, I began experimenting with digital tools and gradually integrated them into my practice. Today, I combine traditional techniques with digital media to create works that reflect my personal style.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

I have a deep interest in dystopian narratives. Themes such as humanity's conflict with nature, the psychological impact of political systems, trauma, and chaos push me toward creation. Whenever I witness humanity revealing its darker side, I feel a strong urge to produce art. Chaos. Dystopia. A dark future… Nature seems to have abandoned us. And humanity appears condemned to loneliness within the crowd.

What is an event which you consider a milestone in your digital art career?

Discovering NFTs was a major turning point for me. During the pandemic, my interest in digital art grew, and together with two friends, I entered the NFT universe. It was both a beginning and a transformation in my digital art journey. It allowed me to connect with new technologies, meet collectors, artists, and art lovers from around the world, and expand my artistic perspective.

Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces or a past or upcoming project? What makes them special to you?

I don’t have a single favorite piece, because I pour my soul, mind, and energy into every work I create. Each piece holds a memory, a story, a feeling — whether good or bad, rebellious or innocent, hopeful or hopeless. I live my past through my brush, and I paint toward the future.

What is a profound childhood memory?

It’s difficult to point to just one. Every moment felt unique and meaningful. Scraped knees, dusty streets, growing up outdoors—these all nourished my spirit. I remember spray-painting graffiti on transformers and running from the police. Even those adrenaline-filled moments helped shape who I am. Every memory carries a deep emotional trace.

What is a fun fact about you?

In my childhood years, I was involved with music. I performed rap music on stage and worked as a street musician. Even though I had a terrible voice, I wonder how I had the confidence to do it — I find it quite funny now.

Have there been any surprising or memorable responses to your work?

After entering the NFT space, I connected with collectors from various countries, and my work found a place in their collections. I tried to build relationships with many of them—and even developed friendships. When NFT.NYC 2024 took place, a collector from France named Mr. Titi flew all the way to New York just to see my piece in person. That meant a lot to me. The fact that someone would travel from another country to engage with my work gave me a deep sense of fulfillment—and motivated me to keep painting into the early morning hours.

What else fills your time when you’re not creating art?

Music is a constant part of my life. I also love to travel and spend time in nature, away from the concrete world, especially with friends. I teach art to adults, and witnessing people discover visual language for the first time brings me immense joy.

What is a dream project you’d like to make one day?

I dream of creating an immersive exhibition abroad—where my physical paintings are combined with digital projections, soundscapes, and augmented reality layers. A space where people don’t just look at a memory, but actually walk into it.