In this artwork, I delve into the theme of alienation from the idea of home. To symbolize this alienation, I chose to depict a mermaid figure. This mermaid, distant from her natural habitat, sits atop a chest symbolizing her past values. The photo frames on the wall, empty, conveying a lack of belonging. Her long hair symbolizes her prolonged captivity in this space. She can't easily leave through the door because there's fire in front, symbolizing her fears. She feels trapped.

The home feels so strange, like a movie set with Lego walls, a fake tree, and a pretend moon. Despite feeling like she doesn't belong, her belly is swollen with new hopes.

[Büşra Özen]

Büşra Özen, born in 1995 in Turkey, is a passionate graphic designer with a background in fine arts. She completed her undergraduate education at Anadolu University, one of the finest arts faculties in the country, majoring in graphic arts. After graduating, she embarked on her professional journey as an art director at a renowned post-production company in İstanbul, where she specialized in character and environment design for a period of two years.

Following this experience, she assumed the role of art department manager at an advertising agency in Istanbul, dedicating three years to working with numerous global brands. Currently, she continues her career in the Marketing department of a brokerage firm, based in Istanbul. Illustration has always been her passion, serving as her personal haven where she can escape the rules of graphic design or brand guidelines, producing solely for herself.

In the moments between her demanding work schedule, she finds solace in her personal space, an area where she can indulge in playing games during evenings or weekends. Her illustrations, therefore, serve as a reflection of her inner world and ideas. They provide a sense of freedom, making her feel true to herself.

Instagram: @ busozen__

http://www.behance.net/busracaglar