Turkish Artist Makes Stunning Leaf Art for 25 Years

For 25 years, Hülya Kalaycı Unutur, a Turkish artist from Behramkale village in Çanakkale’s Ayvacık district, has been making intricate artworks on the leaves of the dieffenbachia plant. She imports these leaves from the Netherlands and dries them using a special two-year process.

Unutur, a graduate of Mimar Sinan University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, started her unique craft in 1999 in Istanbul and has continued in her Assos workshop since 2009. She uses a mix of her own special paint and 22-carat gold to draw a variety of designs, including symbols of Çanakkale, animals, and Islamic motifs.

Her detailed works, which can take from one day to three months to complete, feature iconic images such as the Gallipoli Martyrs’ Monument, the ancient Assos Ruins, and the Temple of Athena. Unutur’s art celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Turkey, with special collections marking her 25th anniversary in this unique medium.