Neslihan Lacin

1997-ART-İST’97, 7. İstanbul Sanat Fuarı, 3. Genç Sanatçılar resim yarışması (Üçüncülük ödülü)

1997- Neslihan Sözügeçen-Erdal Kara resim sergisi-Derimod Sanat Merkezi

A brief history of Neslihan’s life

Neslihan was born in 1972 in Istanbul. First, she went to Barbaros Primary School and then to Bağlarbaşı Primary School. After that, she attended Private Kadıköy High School and 50. Yıl Tahran High School. In 1989 she became a stylist after completing an art and fashion course called ‘Özel Çizgi’. In the same period, she took part in Mahir Güven’s pattern design works from live models. From 1991 to 1993 she prepared for the preparatory class and made paintings at the Renaissance Art House, directed by Assistant Professor Doctor Atilla Tos. In 1993 she enrolled in Marmara University Atatürk Faculty of Education, Art and Craft Department with second rank. While she was a student, she took part in many exhibitions, competitions and activities in painting. In 1997 she graduated from Prof. Dr. Tülin Onat’s studio. In the same year she started to work as a trainee teacher at Doğuş Group of Schools. She worked as an Art teacher until 2012 when she became the Head of Department. During this period she took a break from her personal art work and continued doing research and practice in her professional career. She took part in many projects, exhibitions and activities with her students and other Heads of Department. Since 2013, she has returned to her personal art work.

Competitions, Exhibitions, Awards and Activities

2009-She was a jury member in the painting competition entitled ‘Let our culture continue’ organized by the Ministry of Education
2001- She was awarded with first prize in the painting competition entitled ‘The importance of 18th March Çanakkale Victory’ organized by the Ministry of Education.
1998-Tekel 10th Painting competition
1997-ART-İST’97, 7th Istanbul Art Fair, 3rd Young Artists Painting Competition ranking 3rd
1997- “Chaos” Youth Activities 3-Tüyap
1997- Ahmet Şimşek Art Gallery Art and Craft Department graduation exhibition
1997- ‘From traditional to modern day’ miniature exhibition-Atatürk Faculty of Education
1997- Neslihan Sözügeçen-Erdal Kara painting exhibition at -Derimod Art Centre
1997- Navy Department, 2. Painting competition themed ‘the sea’
1997- Tekel 9. Painting competition
1996- Navy Department, 1. Painting competition themed ‘the sea’

2001- Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı’ nın 18 Mart Çanakkale Zaferi 2001 Kutlamaları kapsamında düzenlediği “18 Mart Çanakkale Zaferi’ nin Tarih içindeki Yeri ve Önemi” konulu resim yarışması (Birincilik Ödülü)

In my abstract paintings, light is the distinguishing element. The other important elements are rhythm and ‘espas’ that give balance to the painting. Sometimes, the law of perspective is broken on purpose to contribute to the expression of the picture. The picture continues beyond the canvas. The impression that the picture continues beyond the canvas is achieved using a suitable composition. I prefer using the acrylic painting technique to work out the light-shadow and colour tone easily in abstract painting. It also helps the picture dry faster. My paintings need a well-planned composition, discipline and tidy work in terms of technique.
The expression in my paintings is of second importance. Thus, in my abstract paintings the meaning of the figures that I created beyond reality depends on a philosophy.
There is a movement and a circle between the elements that compose the picture. The rhythm used in the picture also supports the story behind the paintings. The locations in the pictures involve the energy and light and they are in interaction with each other. They are permanent. There is an ongoing interaction between pieces. The location reflects on living beings and the living beings carry traces of the locations.
The transparency of the living beings explains the circle between ‘existence’ and ‘disappearance’. They are affected by the light of the place. The light comes from the massive figures that give the impression of a place.
I believe that in order to create successful abstract paintings it is necessary to have a strong figure. Therefore, from time to time I use other painting techniques to draw patterns that show a realist approach.