The Eastern Daily Press has teamed up with the Urban Art Store to award one NUA student the chance to display their work at the upcoming Under the Stalls art show.
Here we take a closer look at one of the finalists.
Emerging artist Ayla Salih uses confrontational imagery, texture and colour to challenge shame, normalise the body, and give voice to what is too often silenced.
For Ayla Salih, nothing should be taken at face value.
Her work asks viewers to pause, reflect, and approach with an open mind, even when what they are confronted with feels unsettling.
Exploring themes often labelled as illicit or taboo, Salih's practice delves into the body, sex, racism, inequality, and mental health, translating lived experience and social observation into sculpture, sketch, and painting.
"My work invites reflection; it asks people not to take anything at face value."
Central to Salih's practice is a deliberate sense of shock.
Childlike scenes are paired with mature subject matter, creating a tension that disrupts comfort and challenges stagnant ideologies.
Grotesque or vulgar imagery is softened through familiarity nostalgic colour palettes, expressive textures, and moments of wit.
Text and recurring motifs act as entry points, encouraging engagement rather than avoidance.
"I want the viewer to feel something, to question why these subjects are so frowned upon when they are simply part of life."
The body is a recurring focus in Salih's work, represented in ways that are intentionally exposing yet stripped of erotic intent.
By zooming in on genitals and depicting (fe)male, disabled, and queer bodies, she seeks to dismantle shame and reclaim the body as mundane rather than taboo.
Her work argues that the body is not inherently sexual and that sex itself should not be treated as something to hide.
"I want to diminish the shame attached to the human body; pleasure, touch, and intimacy are part of living."
Art has always been present in Salih's life, but pursuing it seriously became inevitable rather than optional.
After first studying art at GCSE, she drew early inspiration from Francis Bacon, Henri Matisse, and later Jenny Saville, artists who helped shape her emerging visual language.
Supported by an art teacher who allowed her to rebel creatively, Salih flourished before diverting into media makeup at college.
Although the transition away from fine art proved challenging, the experience gave her a deep understanding of the body and taught resilience.
After two years and unsuccessful attempts to enter university due to UCAS limitations, a Foundation course in Art and Design reignited her passion for fine art, reaffirming where she felt she truly belonged.
"Being forced back into fine art reminded me exactly where I'm meant to be."
Experimentation remains essential to Salih's practice.
Oil pastels are frequently used for their organic texture, layering capabilities, and bold colour, while fast, expressive painting allows for energetic and instinctive mark-making.
Sustainability is embedded throughout her work, with recycled materials and found scraps reused whenever possible.
Recently, Salih has begun moving away from static imagery, exploring more fluid and tactile approaches including fabric, inks and three-dimensional elements.
A key process within her practice is transformation, allowing one idea to evolve across multiple formats.
Poetry becomes painting, which becomes film, which may later become sculpture.
"Letting one idea become many things keeps the work alive and flowing."
Rather than focusing on a single artwork to present at Under The Stalls, Salih views the opportunity as a platform for message-making.
Her aim is to amplify young artistic voices and confront audiences with urgent social issues through abstract, emotionally charged work.
Her identity plays a vital role in this.
As a female Turkish Cypriot, Salih grew up navigating expectations of modesty, silence, and concealment.
Struggles with religion, sexuality, body image, and difference are reflected in the abrupt and unapologetic way she presents her experiences.
Red and white, colours of the Turkish flag, recur alongside fleshy palettes, symbolising reclaimed skin and visibility.
"My work is bold, loud, exposing and heavy; everything I was never allowed to be growing up."
Influenced by artists including Tracey Emin, David Shrigley, Betty Tompkins, Lucian Freud, Egon Schiele and Henri Matisse, Salih’s work is intense, textural and conceptually driven.
She feels a particularly strong connection to Emin through shared heritage and an uncompromising approach to emotional honesty.
Being selected for Under The Stalls would mark a defining moment in Salih’s artistic journey.
After years of exploration, she now feels confident in both her message and direction.
The opportunity represents affirmation not only for herself, but for those who feel underrepresented.
"I finally know what I want to say and who I want to represent."
At the fair, Salih hopes viewers take a step back, allowing time to digest and question their initial reactions.
Though the work may feel complex or confrontational, its core message is simple: you are allowed to exist without criticism.
"Look at every mark, fold and crevice and appreciate your being."
Looking ahead, Salih aims to expand her creative network, profit from her passion, and continue pushing her practice through exhibitions and events.
Her long-term ambition is to exhibit and sell work within a gallery space and to build a sustainable life as a professional artist, one rooted in honesty, vulnerability, and refusal to be silenced.
"It is my dream to live as a working artist and this feels like the beginning."
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