ABOUT
ABOUT
Story of Zeynep’s Statement
My artworks are an intimate expression of the dual life I lead within my family. The paintings reflect two extremes: the conservative Turkish culture and the more progressive and modern perspective, achieved by simplifying traditional motifs and imagery. My work is driven by constant challenges and questioning the conventional image of a "Turkish woman". I explore the tension between the traditional values within my family and my own pursuit of modernity.
fuck patriarchy
fuck patriarchy
long live matriarchy
long live matriarchy
fuck patriarchy
fuck patriarchy
long live matriarchy
long live matriarchy
In my creative process, I use motifs and patterns as a language that speaks of my inner growth. I draw inspiration from patterns found in traditional clothing, headscarves, tablecloths, and existing paintings. Additionally, I frequently experiment with self-created shapes and colors, which I hand-paint on canvas, transforming these elements into my own unique patterns. My inspiration often stems from various artworks, mostly contemporary abstract art, with a particular fondness for the works of Matisse. Matisse serves as an inspiration because the shapes and colors in his works strongly remind me of my own culture, allowing me to draw many parallels. This starting point serves as a bridge between the cultural gap, a harmonious fusion of styles that reflects my internal dialogue.
My choice of unprimed canvases, prepared with rabbit-skin glue and later supplemented with oil paint, symbolizes the rawness of my experiences. It is a deliberate attempt to capture the duality of my identity: a layered reality where my own thoughts and emotions intertwine with the expectations of others—expectations from family members who often do not understand my works, even though they are about them. The harmony I aim to create ensures they do not take it personally.
The colors I select and the way I combine them serve as a palette of emotions. I use bright colors like red, green, ochre, ultramarine, and brown as the foundation of all my paintings. This combination of colors reminds me of traditional Turkish culture. The broad spectrum of oil paint reflects my inner world and offers viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves in their own interpretations. My art is not merely a personal expression but an invitation to the viewer to explore their own feelings and thoughts within the framework of my experiences.
Through this creative process, I reflect on my feelings towards both the conservative and progressive sides of my identity. This creative journey manifests as a reflection of both these sides of my identity. It is my hope that these works not only tell a personal story but also create space for a broader dialogue about identity, duality, and the constant search for harmony between tradition and modernity.