Erin Kaya: Exploring the World Through Art
Erin Kaya transforms cityscapes, aerial views, and fashion into bold, geometric abstractions that captivate and inspire
Chicago-based artist Erin Kaya is making waves in the contemporary art world with her bold abstract compositions and structured geometric patterns. Her work, deeply influenced by her travels, the cityscape, and historical art movements, invites viewers into a world of color, order, and movement. In a recent interview, Kaya shared insights into her creative process, inspirations, and the personal philosophy behind her work.
From the City to the Canvas
Kaya’s art is heavily influenced by the architecture and landscape of Chicago. “Every time I drive into the city, I take in the skyline, the grid-like streets, the reflections in the windows,” she explains. “That structured, aerial perspective finds its way into my paintings.”
Her compositions, which she calls “grids of the earth”, are inspired by aerial views from airplanes, combining elements of cityscapes, landscapes, and abstract mapping. “I want to take people beyond what they see every day—to a new world where colors, lines, and forms interact in ways they never expected.”
The Influence of Willem de Kooning
While Kaya’s geometric precision sets her apart, her gestural approach to painting is deeply influenced by Willem de Kooning, a key figure in Abstract Expressionism. She recalls first seeing de Kooning’s work at the Kansas City Art Museum and later encountering his masterpiece Excavation at the Art Institute of Chicago. “His paintings feel alive—the way he moves paint across the canvas, the way each stroke feels intentional. That’s something I try to bring into my own work.”
Beyond de Kooning, Kaya also draws inspiration from Kandinsky and Hans Hofmann, both known for their bold colors and dynamic compositions. “I love the energy and emotion in their work. I want my paintings to evoke that same feeling.”
Process and Palette
Kaya’s artistic process is both intuitive and structured. She primarily works with acrylics, layering up to 30 coats of paint to achieve depth and texture. She often rotates the canvas while working, allowing drips and spontaneous marks to guide the final composition.
When it comes to color, fashion plays a key role in her selections. “Trends from New York Fashion Week trickle down into home décor and everyday life. I like to incorporate those evolving palettes while maintaining my own signature style.” Whether it’s neutral earth tones, metallic silvers, or bold pops of color, her choices reflect both current influences and timeless design principles.
Art as Therapy & Supporting Mental Health
For Kaya, painting is more than a career—it’s a form of therapy. “My favorite pieces are the ones I don’t even remember painting because I was so lost in the process,” she says. “It’s my escape, my way of processing the world.”
This passion for mental well-being extends beyond her own practice. She is a strong advocate for mental health awareness, supporting Erica’s Lighthouse, an organization dedicated to youth mental health education. Each year, she donates a painting, with 100% of the proceeds going to support the cause. “Life is hard—for teens, for adults, for everyone. The more we talk about mental health, the better.”
Looking Ahead
As Kaya prepares for her upcoming March 8th solo exhibition at Mark Rengers Gallery, she reflects on how her work has evolved over the years. “As I’ve grown, traveled, and experienced more, I can see how my soul comes through in my paintings. That’s what I want—for my art to take people to a new place, to help them pause and breathe.”
And if there’s one thing that defines Erin Kaya’s work, it’s that unmistakable sense of calm and balance. “When someone walks into a gallery and immediately recognizes one of my pieces, that’s the greatest compliment I could ever receive.”