The Studio
Press & Editorial
An archive of high-resolution imagery, material studies, and foundational narratives from our Istanbul atelier.
The Atelier
Palena Studio works within the traditions of Turkish metallurgy and hand craftsmanship. Rooted in our Istanbul atelier, each piece is formed by hand in bronze, cast or hand-shaped according to the work, patinated or polished over successive stages, and finished in combination with Murano glass, alabaster, goatskin parchment, and lacquer.
Nothing is held in stock. Every sculptural work is made to order, individually numbered, and issued with a certificate of authenticity. Because each piece is finished by hand, no two are ever quite alike; works ordered as a set are made and finished together, ensuring a unified visual dialogue.
The Founders
Ben Aftab & Carter Balki
Founding Partners
Palena Studio is directed by founder and lead designer Ben Aftab, alongside co-founder and director of operations Carter Balki. Working between the drawing and the atelier floor, the partnership refines the raw weight of bronze into forms that read as continuous and effortless.
With all production rooted in their Istanbul atelier, Aftab oversees the geometry of each piece and the balance that allows heavy forms to appear suspended, while Balki directs the making itself and the movement of finished pieces to galleries worldwide.
In Brief
| Practice | Sculptural lighting, furniture and bespoke commissions |
|---|---|
| Atelier | Istanbul, Türkiye |
| Materials | Cast and hand-shaped bronze, Murano glass, alabaster, goatskin parchment, lacquer |
| Production | Made to order, individually numbered |
| Galleries | Galerie Philia — Geneva, New York, Singapore, Mexico City |
Digital Press Room
For editorial features, exhibitions, and architectural publications, we provide a comprehensive digital Press Pack containing high-resolution in situ photography, material studies, and detailed design narratives.
Image Usage
Photography supplied for editorial use may be reproduced with the credit “Courtesy of Palena Studio”, alongside the photographer’s credit where one is given. Images may not be cropped in a way that alters the work, used commercially, or reproduced without attribution.