–We know that you started your art career at a very young age. What was the biggest factor that led you to art?
The biggest factor behind my starting my art career at a very young age was my father’s continuous support. He always believed in the importance of art and my talents in this field, encouraging me. From an early age, my desire to leave a mark everywhere I went was more about creating lasting significance than just a temporary effect. This desire was combined with the urge to touch people through my art and add meaning to their lives. Over time, this experience turned into my life’s philosophy. Art, for me, is not just a form of expression but also a way of being in the world and leaving a lasting legacy. Throughout my life, I wanted to inspire others with my creative processes and works and establish an emotional connection with them. I believe in the power of leaving a mark in this world through art, and this passion has always pushed me forward.
-Were there any artists or art movements that influenced your transition to abstract painting? Why is abstraction important to you?
In my transition to abstract painting, I was inspired by various movements and artists in the art world. I learned to draw through a classical and academic education. This process laid the foundation of my art; however, over time, I felt that classical painting had reached its limits. Classical painting was restricted by certain rules and forms, which limited my creativity. Therefore, moving towards modern painting became inevitable in my search for a new form of expression. At this point, artists like Salvador Dalí, Gerhard Richter, and Claude Monet were sources of inspiration for me. Dalí’s surrealist approaches pushed the boundaries of my imagination; Richter’s works, which moved between abstraction and non-abstraction, helped me explore new possibilities in art. Monet, with his play of light and color, guided me in discovering the abstract and emotional aspects of nature. Abstraction is very important to me because it was the freest and most unlimited form of the philosophy I wanted to convey. Abstract art deepens the viewer’s interaction with the work. The fact that everyone interprets paintings based on their own experiences, emotions, and imagination elevates the essence of art. In this sense, abstraction appeals to the viewer’s emotions, allowing each person to evaluate the works from their unique perspective. This freedom is one of the most valuable aspects of art, as every individual can shape their relationship with art through their personal journey.
-You create a different language by transforming ordinary materials and colors in your works. Could you talk a bit about this transformation process?
The process of creating a different language by transforming ordinary materials and colors in my works is one of the most important parts of my artistic journey. As an artist, I believe it is essential to establish a language and philosophy of my own to exist in this field. I think art is not only about execution but also about developing a deep meaning and identity. I needed a new path to express myself. In this process, the colors and contexts I use in my works became the keys to revealing my inner world and philosophy. The transformation process of colors and materials became a means of communication for me, allowing me to create an emotional bond with those who see my art. Each work functions as a language designed to reach and speak to the viewer. Even though I have written my painting manifesto, I enjoy constantly discovering new things in my art. This is a dynamic part of the creative process for me. The transformation in each work reflects the freedom and innovation that abstract painting offers. Abstract painting is not only an aesthetic form of expression but also a new philosophy, a new way of thinking. The transformation I offer to the viewer allows them to bring their interpretations, which is one of the most valuable aspects of my art. Transforming the ordinary, changing the viewer’s perception, and offering a new experience are constantly sought-after goals in my art. In this process, each color and material becomes an essential component shaping my inner language. Abstraction stands out as the most powerful expression of this transformation and emerges as a philosophy of art for me.
-Your work in art therapy is quite remarkable. How did you experience the healing power of art in these projects?
My work in art therapy has been a profound journey in experiencing the healing power of art. The most important thing in these projects is to free the soul. Participants feel that they don’t have to conform to the molds of classical art; this provides them with a kind of freedom and creativity space. The process of expressing oneself through art truly heals people. This form of expression offers individuals a platform to externalize their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Witnessing the power of art to touch the inner worlds of participants is quite impressive. In these workshops, the variety of styles and approaches participants exhibit creates an interesting dynamic. Some draw slowly and gracefully, while others work intensely and complexly. These differences become a mirror reflecting each individual’s emotional state and experiences. In the art therapy process, allowing everyone to work at their own pace speeds up the healing process. This variety shows that art is not only a means of expression but also a process that helps individuals reconcile with themselves and find inner peace. As a result, art therapy becomes a powerful tool for the spiritual healing of both individuals and communities.
-You have conducted art therapy projects for young girls in UNESCO projects in Iran and Turkey. How do you evaluate the impact of these projects on art and society?
The art therapy projects I conducted for young girls in UNESCO projects in Iran and Turkey show how important it is for children to encounter art. These projects help them understand that art is an indispensable part of life. The annual competitions organized by UNESCO provide children with both an educational and therapeutic environment, allowing them to explore their creativity. Through these competitions, children have the opportunity to reflect on various subjects and try different forms of expression. Group work helps develop their social skills and understand the value of collective production. Art becomes a tool for them to express their emotions while also boosting their self-confidence. By guiding them through this process, I try to show them how art can be a form of communication and how they can better express themselves. As a result, these projects have positive effects on both individuals and communities. Through art, young girls not only express themselves but also become stronger individuals by increasing their social awareness.
-Your works have been exhibited at international art festivals in Singapore, Venice, and Berlin. How do you aim to contribute to the global art scene?
When my works are exhibited at international art festivals in places like Singapore, Venice, and Berlin, my aim to contribute to the global art scene carries deep meaning. As a woman from the Middle East, I want to introduce my cultural background and lifestyle while living in Iran and Turkey. This not only tells my personal story but also showcases the ability of Middle Eastern women to produce modern art. My art is a tool to show that women can complete their artistic development without barriers, using the latest techniques. This is both a form of personal expression and a social message. My art reflects the life I have lived and the history I carry, and I want to convey to the audience how I came from what time and under what conditions. Being on international platforms helps give this story a universal voice. Each of my works not only tells my own experiences but also aims to amplify the voices of women from different cultures. In this context, emphasizing cultural diversity and the place of women in art on the global art scene is both a responsibility and a source of excitement for me.
-You won the “Artist in Quarantine” award and experienced the challenges of existing in the art world during the pandemic. How did your perspective on art change during this time?
Winning the “Artist in Quarantine” award allowed me to deeply experience the challenges of existing in the art world during the pandemic. During this period, my perspective on art underwent a significant change. I always saw art as a form of salvation and expression, but the pandemic made the healing power of art even more apparent. The COVID-19 period showed that art can be a companion and a remedy for every individual, even behind closed doors. During this time, we realized that there were emotions we could nurture and mature within ourselves when we retreated. Some people matured these emotions by writing, while others did so by drawing. During this period, art became not only a means of expression but also an emotional support source. The pandemic revealed how art can play a role in individuals’ inner journeys and contribute to the emotional healing process. This experience helped me understand that art is not just an external expression but also an internal exploration tool, and this awareness deepened my art practice even further.
-Your art therapy work with war-affected children has been widely appreciated. How do you encourage artistic expression in these children?
My art therapy work with war-affected children is very valuable in terms of understanding the challenges these children face and encouraging artistic expression in them. After the war, many children had no home or school, and many did not even have a complete family. Their losses were not only material but also deeply emotional. In this process, I formed groups where poetry was read, and paintings were made, providing these children with the opportunity to participate in social activities. I tried to teach them that there are still beautiful things in the world. Perhaps I showed them that they could look at a colorful world. Art became a tool for them to express their feelings and alleviate some of the pain they experienced. These children taught me valuable lessons like patience and resilience. They are now grown up, and I am still in touch with them; this bond is very precious to me. I believe it is an artist’s responsibility to show that art can be a means of salvation and healing. For these children, art became not just a form of expression but also a symbol of hope and rebirth.
-How do you think your education in art and philosophy is reflected in your works? In what ways do your philosophical approaches influence your paintings?
My education in art and philosophy has had a profound impact on my works. My country is home to some of the greatest thinkers who have contributed significantly to philosophy. Therefore, I feel that I owe my philosophical studies to my roots. From a young age, I learned to look deeply into every event, and this has been decisive in both my art and life philosophy.
Life and love are the most important concepts for me. Life and love, in their true meanings, hold a much deeper place than what we see in today’s world. When I was young and walking with my father, I once asked him, “Where does the sky end?” His response deeply affected me: “The sky never ends. This blueness never ends, just like my love for you.” This was the most philosophical interpretation of love, and from that moment on, blue became the color of love for me.
This deep meaning is reflected in my color choices and the themes I shape in my works. Blue represents infinity and love, which are recurring topics in my art. Additionally, my life philosophy emphasizes that living isn’t just about breathing, but about living fully and leaving a mark. Leaving a trace, engraving something somewhere, and adding meaning—these are all central to my artistic expression.
The legacy of great thinkers like Khayyam and Avicenna has been a powerful source of inspiration in both my art and philosophical approaches. This deep philosophical understanding has enriched the themes and narrative style in my works. My art combines these profound philosophical thoughts, offering the viewer both an emotional experience and an invitation to a deep intellectual journey.
-What are your future projects in your art? What kind of works can we expect in the future?
I have exciting plans for my future projects. I can say with certainty that I plan to deepen the fusion of metaphysics and art in my work. This aims to offer viewers more complex and multi-layered experiences. My new works will transition from the second dimension to the third or even the fourth dimension, enriching both the physical and emotional perception of art.
I plan to increase the number of installation works. These types of pieces will provide opportunities to create more dynamic and multi-dimensional experiences through interaction with the space. Among my current significant projects is a focus on the philosophy of Bach and the colors of his musical notes. I aim to explore the deep relationship between music and art, reflecting the colors and emotional impacts of the notes.
In these projects, I will aim to offer viewers a unique experience by exploring the abstract elements of art and its interaction with music. Ultimately, my future works will enhance both visual and emotional depth, creating a stronger bond with the audience. On this journey, I will continue to push the boundaries of art, creating new meanings and experiences.
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