Key takeaways
- Selma Gürbüz is a renowned Turkish Surrealist artist known for her hybrid, mystical artworks
- Her art blends human, animal, and natural elements into captivating, symbolic forms
- Gürbüz's work draws inspiration from diverse artistic traditions, mythology, and spirituality
- The artist's unique style has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted global following
- Gürbüz's art explores concepts of ego, masculinity, and femininity through a surreal, mystical lens
Pioneering Turkish surrealist artist
Selma Gürbüz (1960–2021) was a prominent Turkish painter and sculptor, renowned for her surrealist style that merged humans, animals, and nature into magical hybrids. Combining Eastern and Western artistic traditions with mythology and spirituality, her work explored mystical themes and invited viewers to delve into the subconscious. Born in Istanbul, she studied painting, photography, and theatre at Exeter College of Art and Design in England from 1978 to 1982, before graduating from Marmara University’s Faculty of Fine Arts in 1984. She held her first solo exhibition in Istanbul in 1986 and became a key figure in Turkish Surrealism, influencing contemporary art with her visionary approach.
Fascinated by the mystical and the surreal, her art blended Turkish and contemporary elements, drawing global attention for its exploration of the human-divine connection through myth and symbolism. Her artworks, featuring human-animal hybrids in dreamlike settings, reflected her deep respect for nature and spirituality. These creations, rooted in Turkish heritage, showcased her ability to merge the real and magical, leaving a lasting impact on the world of contemporary art. Globally recognized, her work has been exhibited in top galleries, making her a leading figure in Surrealism and an inspiration to many.
Monotype series: a pivotal turning point
In 2002, she created her renowned "Monotype" series, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Working in a studio at the Fondation Maeght in France, she used Joan Miró's printing machine to produce large monotype prints on handmade paper.
She incorporated the tempera technique, adding a new medium that enhanced the expressiveness of her work. The "Monotype" series represented a significant shift for her, introducing bold color combinations of brown, red, and black, giving her paintings a distinctive mystical quality.
In these pieces, her figures often resembled animals, with tails or horns, blending species. She also combined human forms with trees, creating magical, hybrid creatures. Her compositions explored themes of ego, masculinity, femininity, play, and conflict, reflecting her profound insights into human nature and the world. Set in enchanted forests, these works elevated her printmaking and tempera technique with a sense of wonder.
The "Monotype" series was a milestone for her, showcasing her mastery of printmaking and her distinctive style, which fused Surrealism, mysticism, and a deep connection to both nature and humanity.
Exploring cultural heritage through surrealism
Selma Gürbüz's creations is deeply rooted in her exploration of cultural heritage. She draws inspiration from the rich symbolism and mythology of both Eastern and Western traditions. By infusing her Surrealist aesthetic with elements from her cultural background, she creates a unique visual language. This language celebrates the diversity and interconnectedness of global artistic expressions.
Artist's fascination with cultural heritage shows in her depiction of human-animal hybrid figures. These figures symbolize the blurred boundaries between nature and humanity. They embody the artist's exploration of mythology and the connection between the natural and spiritual realms.
Through her Surrealist compositions, Gürbüz honors her roots. She seamlessly weaves in elements of symbolism and mythology that resonate with her audience. This blend of Eastern and Western influences creates a global artistic language. It transcends cultural divides and invites viewers to connect with the universal human experience.
Her imagery is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of Surrealism in preserving and celebrating cultural diversity. By drawing from her own cultural heritage, the artist crafts a mesmerizing visual narrative. This narrative resonates with audiences worldwide, inspiring a deeper appreciation for global artistic traditions.
Tempera technique and handmade papers
Selma Gürbüz is renowned for her intricate use of traditional materials and techniques, incorporating tempera and handmade papers into her work. These elements provide her paintings with a distinctive, tactile quality that enhances their allure.
She adheres to age-old materials and methods, with the tempera technique adding depth and luminosity to her artworks, while her choice of handmade papers imparts an organic feel. The tempera method evokes a dreamlike quality in her surreal scenes, and the tactile nature of the handmade papers contributes to their enchanting character.
Her pieces transcend conventional media through the use of tempera and handmade papers, and her commitment to these techniques lends her work a timeless quality that resonates with the mystical and surreal themes she explores.
Blurring boundaries: nature and humanity
Selma Gürbüz's art delves into the intersection of nature and humanity, blending human, animal, and plant forms to challenge conventional ideas about identity and our place in the world. Through her hybrid compositions, she reveals the deep connections between all living beings, encouraging us to recognize that we are part of a larger, interconnected whole.
Her fascination with blending forms and identities creates dreamlike figures that invite us to question what it truly means to be human. Each symbol in her work carries a deeper meaning, emphasizing the unity that exists despite apparent differences.
Her work masterfully blurs the boundaries between the natural and human realms, using powerful symbolism to explore the complexities of human nature and the mysteries of the natural world. Her work offers a fresh perspective, urging us to reflect on our relationship with nature and our role within it.
Feminist perspectives in Gürbüz's oeuvre
Selma Gürbüz's expression often looks at feminist views through symbols and female figures. Her mix of creatures and mystical scenes question old norms. They make us think about women's roles in Turkish culture and worldwide.
Her craft isn't directly political, but it touches on gender and power. Her creatures, part human, part animal, symbolize the complexity of being a woman. They make us question what we expect from women.
Her work combines feminist art, gender, and symbolic narratives. Her art shows women in strong or thoughtful poses, unlike the usual art. This way, she highlights women's voices and stories, both at home and globally.
She makes us think about what it means to be a woman. It shows how gender affects our lives, and call us to rethink our views on women, aiming for a fairer world.
Public collections
Selma Gürbüz created a diverse body of work across painting, sculpture, engraving, and weaving throughout her artistic career. Her pieces featured imaginative forms, magical symbols, and symbolic animals, reinterpreted with a contemporary, fantastical flair. Her works are housed in prestigious collections such as The British Museum in London, Galerie Maeght in Paris, SantralIstanbul, Istanbul Modern, and the Painting and Sculpture Museums of Istanbul and Ankara. Her unique blend of Eastern and Western styles left a lasting mark on Turkish art and the global Surrealist movement, developing a visual language that continues to captivate and inspire worldwide.
Her work demonstrates the transformative power of imagination, merging Surrealism with mysticism and symbolism, making her a pioneering figure in art history. Her innovative approach has reshaped perceptions of Surrealist art, encouraging many artists to explore new creative avenues. Known for exploring themes of nature, humanity, and the subconscious, her work has had a profound influence on the art world, affirming the enduring relevance of the Surrealist movement.
Her distinct style of mystical Surrealism and hybrid art made her a key figure in the movement, with her works featured in global exhibitions. Her pieces are part of renowned collections such as the Istanbul Modern, Sakıp Sabancı Museum, and Fondation Maeght in France, solidifying her legacy as a groundbreaking artist.
She often delved into myths, collective consciousness, and the interplay of light and dark, drawing comparisons to literary figures like James Joyce and Feridüddin Attar. By blending elements from Eastern literature with myths like Icarus, she created a cross-cultural visual language that earned her widespread acclaim.
Recognized as one of Turkey's leading contemporary artists, Gürbüz exhibited in cities such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Buenos Aires. In addition to her visual arts practice, she contributed as artistic director for Ömer Kavur's films Akrebin Yolculuğu (The Scorpion's Journey, 1997) and Karşılash (The Encounter, 2002). In 2016, she ranked 425th on Artprice's list of the top 500 best-selling contemporary artists.
FAQ
Who is Selma Gürbüz and what is she known for?
Selma Gürbüz is a pioneering Turkish Surrealist known for her captivating works that fuse human, animal, and natural elements. Drawing from both Eastern and Western artistic traditions, her expression is rich in mythology, symbolism, and spirituality.
What are the key characteristics of her imagery?
Her work is characterized by the seamless integration of human, animal, and natural forms. This creates enchanting hybrid creatures that inhabit dreamlike, mystical realms. Her works blend elements of Surrealism, symbolism, and mythology to explore themes of spirituality, cultural heritage, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
How is she considered a pioneering figure in the Turkish Surrealist movement?
She is known for her unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. She has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Turkish art, inspiring generations of artists with her unique vision and innovative techniques.
How do Selma Gürbüz's works evoke a dreamlike and mystical quality?
Her creation is characterized by its evocative, dreamlike quality. She weaves intricate symbolic narratives that blend human, animal, and natural elements. Her hybrid figures, often adorned with the physical attributes of diverse creatures, inhabit lush, mystical environments that blur the boundaries between reality and the realm of the imagination.
How does she explores cultural heritage and global artistic expressions?
Her work is deeply rooted in her exploration of cultural heritage. She draws inspiration from the rich symbolism and mythology of both Eastern and Western traditions. By infusing her Surrealist aesthetic with elements from her cultural background, Gürbüz creates a unique visual language that celebrates the diversity and interconnectedness of global artistic expressions.
What materials and techniques does she uses?
Her artistic practice is characterized by her meticulous use of traditional materials and techniques. She uses the "tempera" method and handmade papers. The matte, gouache-like quality of her tempera paintings, combined with the unique textures of her handcrafted papers, lend a tactile and timeless quality to her works, further enhancing the mystical and symbolic nature of her compositions.
Where can Selma Gürbüz's pieces be found?
Her art has been widely recognized and exhibited both in Turkey and internationally. Her works are held in prestigious public collections, including the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum, and the Fondation Maeght in France, among others. This further solidifies her legacy as a trailblazing artist.
How does she explore the relationship between nature and humanity?
She explores the blurred boundaries between nature and humanity. She seamlessly integrates human, animal, and botanical elements into her captivating hybrid forms. These symbolic compositions challenge traditional notions of identity and the perceived divide between the natural world and the human experience, inviting viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Does her work explore feminist perspectives?
While Selma Gürbüz's art is not overtly political, her works often explore feminist perspectives. She uses symbolic narratives and represents female figures. Her hybrid creatures and mystical compositions challenge patriarchal norms and invite viewers to consider the multifaceted experiences and identities of women, both within her own culture and on a global scale.
What is her legacy and influence on the art world?
Selma Gürbüz's art has garnered critical acclaim both within Turkey and internationally. Her works are celebrated for their technical mastery, symbolic depth, and innovative approach to Surrealism. As a pioneering figure in the Turkish art scene, she has inspired generations of artists, who have been drawn to her unique blending of Eastern and Western artistic traditions, as well as her profound exploration of themes related to mythology, spirituality, and the human condition.
How has her work impacted the trajectory of Turkish art and the global Surrealist movement?
Selma Gürbüz's enduring legacy as a Surrealist artist has had a profound impact on the trajectory of Turkish art and the global Surrealist movement. By seamlessly integrating Eastern and Western influences, she has expanded the boundaries of Surrealist expression. Her art stands as a testament to the power of the imagination and the transformative potential of artistic exploration, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the annals of art history.
Selena Mattei
