Celebrating 2 Years of Awita New York Studio: A Home for Emerging and Independent Artists

EVOLVE: Anniversary Exhibition Recap + Solo Show Announcement

As we celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Awita New York Studio, we reflect with pride on how far we’ve come. What began as a small, artist-run space in Williamsburg has grown into a bold and welcoming hub for creativity, collaboration, and representation. This milestone is a testament to the power of persistence and community in the arts.

Founded and curated by artist Gulsum Keskinoglu, Awita New York Studio was born from her desire to create a platform that uplifts emerging, independent, and often underrepresented voices. As an immigrant woman artist herself, Keskinoglu’s vision has always been rooted in accessibility, honesty, and creative freedom.

To mark this special moment, we launched EVOLVE — our biggest and most ambitious group exhibition yet, exploring themes of transformation, identity, and artistic growth. The show featured over 25 local and international artists, handpicked for their ability to reflect the evolving spirit of the studio and the community around it.

Participating Artists in EVOLVE

Lot Winther, Aprajita Lal, Erick Mota, Liz Foulks, Jacquilene Diele, Angela Denise, @mffphotography (Winner of the Solo Show), Jack Zhang, Tricia Sybersma, Casey Renz x David Mach, Luna Mondesi, Luz Bolo, Tori Page, Eileen Riley, Glitchy Pixels, Maarja, Velly, Lamb the Creator, Aila Miriel, Linda Hamilton, Anand Manchiraju, Zinah Ruff, Unique Hodge, Hellena Banner, Guy Hivroni, Steven King, Sandra Jockus, Deanna Leonard, and Saim Cem Arikan.

Thanks to @thehugxyz for connecting us with even more amazing artists.

The opening night on May 1st brought together artists, collectors, and creatives in celebration — with drinks sponsored by @zakuskavodka and Vitamin Water, and music by @darkwavedisco_official keeping the energy high all night. One of the highlights of the evening was the guest voting process, giving every attendee the chance to support their favorite artist.

We’re thrilled to announce that @mffphotography received the most votes and will present a solo exhibition at Awita New York Studio from August 21–23, with the opening night on August 21 from 6–9 PM. Her work stood out for its depth, emotional resonance, and striking visual language.

At Awita, we believe in continued opportunity. With every show, we open the door wider — to more artists, more mediums, and more stories. As we step into our third year, we remain fiercely dedicated to supporting the creative voices that shape our world, one exhibition at a time.

Thank you to every artist, guest, and supporter who’s been part of this evolving journey.

With gratitude,

Gulsum Keskinoglu
Founder, Artist, and Curator
Awita New York Studio | awitanewyork.com