İstanbul, Vile Cats, Big Ladies and Beyond
Photograph by Gonca Araz
A new exhibition opened in the Bilkent University Library Art Gallery on February 7. The exhibition, entitled "Istanbul, Vile Cats, Big Ladies and Beyond," consists of the paintings of Berna Türemen.
Painter Berna Türemen was born in İstanbul. She has had many solo exhibitions in various cities, and has received six awards. Infused with her unique concept of humor, her paintings often feature Istanbul, women and cats. Istanbul takes a special place in her art. Ms. Türemen has been influenced by the poems of famous Turkish poet Orhan Veli, an influence that can be seen in the titles of some of her works.
About her paintings, the artist states that she wants them to make people feel good, saying, "I'm usually so happy when I paint. I want the people looking at my paintings to be happy as well." Her characters reflect this happiness: "I think that the characters in my paintings have a joy of living. After the joy of living may come sorrow, but I want to bring the joy to the forefront." When asked why she prefers to depict "big ladies," she explains, "I want to emphasize that 'big ladies' also have an aesthetic beauty. I myself value the form of woman as plump, and I want to give these women their proper worth in my works."
The exhibition, which is Ms. Türemen's 44th, can be viewed in the Bilkent University Library Art Gallery from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day (except Sundays) through March 6.
BY GONCA ARAZ (MAN/II)