8.2 The New Vision and Abstract Art in Turkey
3 min read•july 29, 2024
Turkish modernism saw a shift from figurative to abstract art in the early 20th century. The , influenced by European avant-garde and Islamic traditions, embraced abstraction, geometric forms, and expressive color to create a universal visual language.
Pioneering artists like and challenged traditional notions of art in Turkey. Despite initial skepticism and institutional challenges, abstract art gradually gained acceptance, paving the way for new artistic expressions in the country.
New Vision Principles and Aesthetics
Core Principles
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Detail of Geometric Mosaic - Zeugma Mosaic Museum - Gazian… | Flickr View original
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Representational, Abstract, and Nonrepresentational Art | Introduction to Art Concepts, SAC, ART100 View original
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- Rejects naturalism and embraces abstraction and experimentation
- Emphasizes geometric and organic forms
- Explores the expressive potential of color and texture
- Seeks to create a universal, non-representational visual language
Aesthetic Characteristics
- Sense of dynamism and spontaneity in the artwork
- Aims to evoke emotional and spiritual responses in the viewer
- Influenced by European avant-garde movements (Cubism, Constructivism, )
- Draws inspiration from traditions
Figurative to Abstract Transition in Turkish Modernism
Early 20th Century Figurative Art
- Depicts scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and portraits
- Gradual experimentation with simplification of forms, flattening of space, and focus on color and composition
Factors Contributing to the Shift Towards Abstraction
- Exposure to European avant-garde movements through exhibitions, publications, and artists' travels
- Establishment of the Turkish State Academy of Fine Arts (Devlet Güzel Sanatlar Akademisi) in 1928
- Provides a platform for artists to explore new styles and techniques, including abstraction
- Surge in abstract art in the 1950s, led by the New Vision movement
- Explores non-representational forms and the expression of subjective experiences
Prominent Turkish Abstract Artists
Ferruh Başağa (1914-2010)
- Pioneer of Turkish abstract art
- Known for geometric compositions and vibrant colors inspired by Anatolian textiles and Islamic art
Adnan Çoker (1927-2018)
- Develops a unique style of abstract expressionism
- Combines gestural brushstrokes with calligraphic elements and a limited color palette
Fahrelnissa Zeid (1901-1991)
- Prominent figure in Turkish abstract art
- Creates large-scale canvases featuring intricate geometric patterns and a fusion of Eastern and Western influences
Nejad Melih Devrim (1923-1995)
- Leading proponent of the New Vision movement
- Creates abstract compositions exploring the interplay of color, line, and form
Mübin Orhon (1924-1981)
- Develops a distinctive style of abstract art
- Characterized by the use of muted colors, organic forms, and a sense of
Impact on the Turkish Art Scene
- Challenges traditional notions of art in Turkey
- Paves the way for the acceptance and appreciation of abstract art in the country
Abstract Art Reception in Turkey
Initial Reactions and Challenges
- Met with both enthusiasm and skepticism
- Challenges established artistic traditions and cultural norms
- Viewed by some as a foreign influence disconnected from Turkish and values
Institutional Challenges
- State-sponsored art institutions initially favor figurative and representational art
- Difficult for abstract artists to gain recognition and support
- Limited exhibition opportunities in galleries and museums hesitant to showcase non-representational works
Sociopolitical Context
- Political and social upheavals in Turkey during the 20th century (military coups, periods of censorship)
- Impacts the development and reception of abstract art
Gradual Acceptance and Appreciation
- Abstract art gains acceptance and appreciation over time
- Efforts of pioneering artists, educators, and cultural institutions contribute to its recognition
Key Terms to Review (13)
Abstract Expressionism: Abstract Expressionism is an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation and a focus on the expressive potential of color and form. This movement sought to break away from traditional representation, allowing artists to convey emotions and ideas through abstract forms, often emphasizing the act of painting itself as an essential part of the artistic process. The significance of this movement can be seen in its influence on various art forms and its connection to cultural movements in different regions.
Adnan Çoker: Adnan Çoker is a prominent Turkish artist known for his significant contributions to the development of abstract art in Turkey. His work reflects the interplay between traditional Turkish elements and modernist practices, embodying the new vision that emerged in the art scene during the mid-20th century, pushing boundaries and redefining artistic expression in the country.
Cultural Identity: Cultural identity refers to the sense of belonging and connection that individuals feel towards their cultural heritage, practices, and values. It shapes how people view themselves and their place in the world, influencing artistic expression and social interactions across different societies.
Emotional responses: Emotional responses are the feelings or reactions that individuals experience in response to stimuli, events, or experiences. These responses can be influenced by personal background, cultural context, and aesthetic appreciation, shaping how art is perceived and interpreted. In the realm of modern art, particularly in the context of new visions and abstract styles, emotional responses become crucial as they allow viewers to connect on a deeper level with the artwork and its underlying messages.
Fahrelnissa Zeid: Fahrelnissa Zeid was a pioneering Turkish painter known for her contributions to abstract art and modernism, particularly in the mid-20th century. She was one of the first female artists to gain international recognition in Turkey and blended traditional Islamic motifs with Western modernist techniques, creating a unique visual language that reflected her cultural heritage.
Ferruh başağa: Ferruh başağa refers to a significant figure in Turkish abstract art and the modern art movement in Turkey. As a painter, he played a crucial role in introducing and promoting abstract art during a time when traditional forms were dominant. His works often sought to express the new vision of modernism that was emerging in Turkey, reflecting both national identity and universal artistic trends.
Geometric abstraction: Geometric abstraction is an art movement that emphasizes the use of geometric forms and shapes, often reducing subjects to their simplest and most essential elements. This style focuses on the visual aspects of composition, color, and shape rather than representational forms, allowing for a new way of seeing and understanding space and structure. Artists in various regions embraced this movement to express modernity and break away from traditional artistic conventions.
Islamic Art: Islamic art refers to the visual arts produced in the Islamic world, characterized by intricate patterns, geometric designs, and the use of arabesques. This art form is closely tied to Islamic culture and spirituality, often emphasizing the beauty of creation through non-figurative representations due to religious beliefs regarding the depiction of living beings.
Mübin orhon: Mübin Orhon was a significant Turkish artist and an influential figure in the development of abstract art in Turkey during the mid-20th century. He was known for his innovative approach that blended traditional Turkish aesthetics with modern artistic expressions, contributing to the New Vision movement in Turkey. His work is often characterized by vibrant colors and geometric forms, reflecting a search for a unique national identity through abstraction.
Nejad melih devrim: Nejad Melih Devrim was a prominent Turkish painter and a significant figure in the development of abstract art in Turkey during the 20th century. His work is characterized by a blend of traditional Turkish motifs with modernist styles, reflecting a unique cultural synthesis that marked the evolution of Turkish art in a post-Atatürk era. Devrim’s contributions helped pave the way for the acceptance and integration of abstract art within the Turkish art scene.
New Vision Movement: The New Vision Movement was an influential art movement that emerged in Turkey during the early 20th century, characterized by a break from traditional artistic styles and the embrace of modernism. It aimed to create a new aesthetic language that reflected the rapidly changing socio-political landscape of Turkey, integrating Western influences while also celebrating local cultural elements.
Political upheavals: Political upheavals refer to significant and often violent disruptions in the political order of a society, leading to profound changes in governance, social structures, or political ideologies. These events can arise from widespread discontent with existing authorities and often result in revolutions, civil unrest, or the establishment of new regimes. Such upheavals can also inspire movements in art and culture, influencing how society perceives and represents its realities.
Spatial depth: Spatial depth refers to the illusion of three-dimensional space in a two-dimensional artwork. This concept is crucial in visual arts, as it helps create a sense of realism and perspective, allowing viewers to feel as if they are looking into a scene rather than at a flat surface. In the context of New Vision and Abstract Art, spatial depth plays a significant role in how artists manipulate forms and colors to evoke emotions and perceptions.