Painter Arzu Muslugil is meeting art lovers with her solo exhibition at Luna Grande Art & Coffee Company in Istanbul’s Kadıköy district from September 28 to October 6. On this occasion, we had the pleasure of conducting a delightful interview with Arzu Muslugil about her artistic journey.
Hello. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello, I was born in Istanbul. I graduated from Kabataş High School and later studied Business at Ankara University and Healthcare Management at Istanbul University.
Currently, I’ve been working as a nurse at a private healthcare institution for 8 years. I’ve always been involved in art since childhood, but I’ve become more intensely focused on it professionally for the last 7 years.
When and how did your interest in painting begin?
Since a young age, I’ve kept things with sentimental value for me or my family. Instead of just letting them sit in a drawer or closet, I started transforming them.
Initially, I worked on figurative art, but later shifted to abstract art, incorporating materials I had on hand into my canvases, such as discarded fabrics, cardboard, broken porcelain, frames, and masks.
That’s how it all began.
What do you aim to express in your paintings, and what inspires you?
I use waste materials in my paintings to highlight environmental issues. In other words, my main theme is ‘upcycling.’ I believe that art and artists have a duty to raise awareness.
If I’m going to reach people, why not deliver a message? Through my work, I sometimes say, “Look, this frame doesn’t have to be thrown away,” or “You can repurpose this piece of cardboard in a different way.”
As an aspiring artist, a painter, I aim to show that by incorporating waste materials into my paintings, we can contribute to preserving the environment from becoming waste dumps and landfills.
How does the production process for a piece begin? Can you walk us through the creation process?
Our state of mind absolutely reflects in the colors of our works, and that’s how their stories begin. I’ve rarely had a moment where I just grabbed a canvas and decided to paint something. The process for me is more like an escape ramp. Whenever I experience a moment that touches my heart or when I empathize and think, “How would I feel?”, I find myself holding my brush and paints. And that’s how these works come to life. You might see a piece of my mother’s blouse from her youth in one painting or my grandmother’s scissors in another.
Which artistic movement do you feel closest to?
Definitely Abstract Art. The style I’ve developed is not something that can be taught or learned in a formal setting. No one can teach you to “stick this paper here, turn this fabric into porcelain, and blend it with this brush,” so it became my own interpretation to a certain extent.
Who is art for, in your opinion?
Art is a way to create awareness, a medium through which we can determine how and in what form we convey our message to others. If a person creates awareness within themselves first, I believe they can present it to society in the most accurate and enjoyable way.
Are there any artists who influence or inspire you? Are there contemporary artists you follow?
There are so many. Today’s contemporary artists approach the concept of sustainability from different perspectives. Jannis Kounellis, one of the pioneers of the Arte Povera movement, is particularly important to me for his boundary-pushing use of materials. I also admire Leo Sewell’s assemblages made from objects and Michelle Reader’s sculptures crafted from waste materials.
How do you interpret the relationship between material and art?
I believe there is definitely a supportive relationship between the two. I think the artist shapes the work based on how they interpret the material.
What do you think about the online sale of art?
I don’t think an art enthusiast, who wants to see a piece they admire on their wall, would purchase it without hearing the story directly from the artist and experiencing it firsthand.
What are your thoughts on the relationship between artist and collector?
Almost all artworks are created with a story behind them and eventually meet an audience. That story then adorns a collector’s wall. It’s an unseen bond that’s formed, which is really important.
How would you define art? What does art mean to you?
For me, art is about bringing ordinary materials from everyday life into an artistic context, and that’s exactly what I do.
Could you tell us a bit about your future plans?
For me, art is about creating awareness in the most productive way. The more awareness I can create through my work and the more art lovers I can reach, the closer I will get to realizing all my plans.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It was a really enjoyable interview. I hope I’ve been able to contribute and send a positive message. Thank you very much.
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