Evolved Self is a fashion editorial exploring the constant transformation of structure and identity, questioning the body's potential to reshape itself. In this interview series, we spoke with the creative minds involved in Evolved Self about their design philosophies, creative processes, and perspectives on the future. One of these creatives is artist Merve Öztemel:
How would you define yourself and your creative identity?
I define myself as an interdisciplinary artist who questions the concepts of body, identity, and time. My creative identity is based on exploring the balance between hyperrealism and conceptual art. Therefore, I adopt an interdisciplinary approach and see myself as a storyteller. My art allows the viewer not only to look but also to touch and even carry it.
What are the fundamental issues you explore in your work related to the human body? Do you think showcasing your work in a different context, such as a fashion shoot, has transformed your pieces or altered how they are perceived?
In my work on the human body, I explore its relationship with identity, time, and transformation. The body is not merely a form; it is also a surface that carries memory, identity, and societal perceptions. Through wearable sculptures and 3D prints, I examine the body's boundaries, tactility, and transformation.
Showcasing my work in different contexts, such as a fashion shoot, changes the way it is perceived. The fashion world transforms art into a wearable and dynamic form, taking the viewer beyond passive observation and immersing them in the experience. This shift allows my works to be seen not just as sculptures but as living forms that interact with the body. As movement and context change, so do the layers of meaning within my pieces.
When I first shared the concept of "Evolved Self" with you—before the shoot even existed—what was the first word or image that came to your mind?
When I first heard about the "Evolved Self" concept, the first word that came to my mind was "transformation." Visually, I imagined a form carrying the traces of time on the body, unfolding in layers or reshaping itself. It felt like a body where old and new selves intertwine, embodying both the past and the future. This was not just a physical transformation but a process in which identity, memory, and self evolved.
If our bodies could truly generate new forms, how would that change your design approach?
If our bodies could generate new forms, my design approach would be entirely transformed. The body would no longer be just a surface but an active creative element. My designs would cease to be static; they would become organisms that adapt to the body, evolve with it, and reshape themselves.
How do you evaluate the impact of technology, especially artificial intelligence, on fashion and design?
Technology and artificial intelligence are rapidly transforming the world of fashion and design. AI-powered algorithms make the design process faster, more efficient, and data-driven while also driving significant changes in sustainability and personalization within production.
Designers can now create complex forms that were previously impossible, thanks to AI-assisted software. Smart fabrics, self-repairing materials, and 3D printing are reshaping traditional production methods. In particular, 3D printing offers a sustainable production model by reducing waste.
However, these advancements do not entirely eliminate the need for human touch in design. While AI is a powerful tool for designers, originality, artistic vision, and emotional connection remain inherently human. I see AI as a powerful tool that enhances the design process when combined with human aesthetic sensibility.
