From Ottoman-inspired imagery to Audrey Hepburn, a new exhibition in Fulham invites visitors to explore the stories artists tell through colour, texture and image.
Istanbul-based ArtisArt Gallery returns to London this October with Once Upon a Time, a free exhibition bringing together 15 artists working across painting, fine-art photography, mixed media, traditional illumination and sculpture.
Running from Saturday 17 to Wednesday 21 October at 56 Dawes Road in Fulham, the exhibition is the gallery’s second UK presentation, following From the Near East at Notting Hill’s J/M Gallery earlier this year.
At its heart is the idea that every artwork begins with a story: a memory, a longing or a feeling that has yet to find words. Those stories take on new meaning when someone encounters the finished work, finding something familiar in another person’s experience.
Two striking works offer a flavour of the exhibition’s range. Artist and architect Sinan Polvan’s Yedi Denizin Sultanı — “Sultan of the Seven Seas” (pictured top) — depicts an elaborately dressed, turbaned figure riding a giant fish against a vibrant geometric backdrop. Created in ink and Ecoline on paper, the work combines intricate drawing with the artist’s interest in historical symbols and cultural memory.
Ömer Atakan’s Audrey draws on a different visual world, layering Audrey Hepburn imagery with fashion illustration, archival-style text and references to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Working with pencil, ink, marker, pastel and acrylic, the Istanbul- and Paris-based artist brings together his interests in cinematic storytelling, illustration and pop art.
Ömer Atakan’s Audrey inspired by Audrey Hepburn
Traditional Turkish arts also feature through the work of illumination, or tezhip, artists Beyza Tuna and Selcen Belgin Balıkçı. Both trained under Fatma Özçay and have won first prizes at the Al Burda Illumination Competition. Tuna combines classical Rumi and botanical motifs with contemporary compositions, using materials including 24-carat gold, gouache and ink.
Photography is represented by artists including Melis Düzenli, whose background in psychology informs her exploration of everyday spaces, presence and absence, and London-based photographer and videographer Eda Demir, founder of Estudio Production.
Also participating are Elif Yiğidim, Selin Kocatopçu, Banu Fatma Poyraz, Güher Elçiçek, Arzu Yazıcı, Figen Oktar Baykan, Işın Canpolat, Duygu Altığ and Rukiye Alper.
Founded in March 2024 by mother and daughter Beril and Zeynep Reis, ArtisArt opened its permanent gallery in Istanbul’s Caddebostan neighbourhood that November. Its approach centres on working closely with artists, helping develop exhibitions and introducing their work and personal stories to new audiences.
ArtisArt founders, mother and daughter Beril and Zeynep Reis
Alongside its Istanbul programme, the gallery has presented work in Dubai, Nice and Monaco, and plans to continue exhibiting in London.
For visitors, Once Upon a Time offers an opportunity to discover a varied group of artistic voices, with free admission and no advance registration required.
Exhibition details
Exhibition: Once Upon a Time, presented by ArtisArt Gallery
Dates: Saturday 17–Wednesday 21 October 2026
Opening hours: 11am–6pm daily
Venue: 56 Dawes Road, Fulham, London SW6 7EJ
Admission: Free; no advance registration required
Further information: www.artisartbyberil.com
