Born in Moda, Istanbul on October 21, 1955, Haluk Özden completed his schooling at the Gaslatasaray Lyceum. He studied economics at Grenoble, France for one year, and then continued his education at the Mimar Sinan University majoring in Graphics Arts, where he graduated as an honor student in 1983. In his academy years he extended the classical, jazz and rock guitar work that he started in his high school days and participated in various recitals and concerts. In 1979 and 1980, he wrote the music, staged and along with his academic group vocalized Wolfgang Borchert’s “ The Man Outside ’’ and Bertolt Brecht’s “ The Baden – Baden Lesson of Consent ’’ performed at the Middle East Technical University Theatrical Festival.
Until the first years of the 90’s he did freehand work in graphics and also occupied himself with music. He predicated as guest musician in certain jazz albums ( such as Önder Focan’ s “ Eight ’’ ) and live performances. Later he abandoned graphic work and began to paint on canvas. Without any previous exhibition he received the first prize in an art contest organized by Turkcell. Besides art , he made conferences, radio programs and translations of books due to his interest in spiritualism, esoterism and philosophy . Among these The Enneads of Plotinos printed in November 2008, had much influence on his latest works.
The first phase of his works was based primarily on fantastic and surrealistic themes in futuristic settings, by availing himself with his background in technique. He then concentrated on abstract works emphasizing metaphysical realities. After his third exhibition that displayed both phases of his works, at his fourth exhibition he defined his new phase of works with geometric abstract styles as “entrance into the essence of universal movement” and called it “Kinesis”. His works in the years 2006 and 2007 drew much attention, and his works titled “Homage to Ad Reinhardt and Robert Irwin”, which were in response to certain claims brought wide acclaim in two exhibitions where they were displayed in 2008.
Since 2001, he has had 19 personal exhibitions and been in many collective exhibitions. His works have entered both private and corporate collections. He continues his work at his Istanbul studio.

His Art Concept:
Because he does not follow the classical style of art, he feels completely free in composition and technique. However he denies randomness, carelessness and confusion in art. He places importance on esthetics and creates his works with a sense of perfectionism and technique. Plato’s concept of ideal forms and Plotinos teachings bases on this concept has been a great influence on his latest works. The artist, according to Özden, should strive to transcend the attraction of matter and should aspire towards the great laws of the cosmos and reflect these in accordance with his understanding to society through his art. Therefore he has called his own artwork “ Contemplationism.”
 

Awards

1999Turkcell Painting Competition, Grand Prize