Viyan Petekkaya is a Kurdish jewellery and metal artist based in Canada. Her work, primarily non-representational, carries modernist influences and constructs a visual narrative that invites introspection and contemplation. She is intrigued by the challenge of translating abstract concepts into tangible forms, often resulting in sculptural pieces.
Petekkaya’s work has been showcased in several exhibitions across Canada, such as the Vancouver Metal Arts Association’s Evolving Spaces: Transitional in Nature and the Alberta Craft Council’s Coming Up Next. Additionally, she was featured in the Society of North American Goldsmiths’ Annual Student Exhibition in the United States. She is a recipient of the Mountain Gems Artistic Achievement Award and the Craft Council of British Columbia’s Emerging Artists in Contemporary Craft Award.
Petekkaya holds a Bachelor of International Economics from the University of British Columbia and a Jewellery Art & Design diploma from Vancouver Community College. After spending a decade in Vancouver, she relocated to Toronto in 2024 upon being accepted as a full-time Artist-in-Residence at Harbourfront Centre. She is excited to build new connections within the Toronto jewellery industry, immerse herself in the local art and culture scene and continue to nurture her ties with the Vancouver jewellery community.