Internationally renowned artist Metin Salih brings a “Mad Men”-inspired precision to his contemporary portraits. With decades of experience illustrating and painting for major ad agencies and brands, Metin merges classical influences—such as Sargeant, Reynolds, Varga, Robert McGinnis, and Robert G. Harris—with a bold, experimental approach. His work combines a unique colour palette with dynamic composition, creating portraits that are both hyperreal and graphic, reflecting his illustration background.

Metin paints with passion and spontaneity, explaining, “I don’t post-rationalise my work. I paint because I just f***** love to.” His portraits are provocative, sexy, and highly expressive, yet they also capture the intimacy and vulnerability of his subjects. Through trust and ease with his sitters, he imbues each piece with individuality and character.

Primarily working in oil paint, Metin often incorporates unconventional materials such as cement and rusty nails, resulting in adventurous, tactile works that push the boundaries of traditional portraiture. Every painting is a celebration of passion, sophistication, and artistic freedom, making his work a bold statement in contemporary art.