A Republic-themed exhibition in Paris by Izmir-based painter Pınar Karaman...
Painter Pınar Karaman, who continues her artistic practice in Izmir, has brought her work to art enthusiasts in Paris as part of the 103rd-anniversary celebrations of the Republic. The exhibition’s opening was attended by numerous guests from the worlds of diplomacy, culture, art, media, and business.
Titled "The Aura of Light" ("Işığın Aurası"), the exhibition—which brings together works from various periods of Pınar Karaman’s career—opened in Paris as part of the 103rd-anniversary events of the Republic. Karaman, who has exhibited her work in Paris previously, frequently explores themes such as women, children, animals, and music in her paintings.
"The Aura of Light," a collection of paintings by Pınar Karaman, was presented to art lovers on October 7, 2026, at the Office of the Culture and Promotion Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Paris. The opening, held as part of the cultural and artistic events marking the 103rd anniversary of the Republic, was attended by Turkey’s Consul General in Paris, Kerem Yılmaz; the Culture and Promotion Counselor at the Turkish Embassy in Paris, Burcu Özdemir; representatives from Turkish Airlines (THY); and various art enthusiasts based in France. The event was accompanied by a cello recital featuring a selection of works by Turkish composers.
Interpreting the relationship between light, color, and form through her own unique artistic language, Karaman translates her inner emotional world onto the canvas using color and pattern—a practice she has cultivated throughout her long-standing career as a painter. In her warm and sincere compositions, the artist explores diverse subjects and imagery through a unique personal style; her works—created using various techniques, most notably oil painting—frequently incorporate themes of music and musical instruments.
Contributing to the international visibility of Turkish art;
Held in Paris—a major hub for global contemporary art—this event contributed to the international visibility of Turkey’s contemporary artistic output and cultural richness. Organized as part of the celebrations for the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey, the gathering served as a special showcase for Turkish cultural and artistic heritage across various disciplines.
From Paris to İzmir: “The Search” (“Arayış”)
Following the art gathering in Paris, Pınar Karaman’s next destination is İzmir. Between October 24 and November 1, 2026, as part of the “Türkiye Culture Route Festival” organized by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the artist will present her 26th solo exhibition, titled “Arayış” (“The Search”). Curated by Funda Paçacıoğlu, the exhibition will be open to the public free of charge at the historic Alsancak Train Station, one of İzmir’s iconic landmarks.
“Arayış” brings together works that focus on the human inner world, emotions, and the relationship one forms with life—all expressed through Karaman’s distinctive palette and figurative approach. Characterized by her bold use of color and original sense of design, these works invite the viewer on both a visual and an emotional journey.
Who is Pınar Karaman?
Born in 1975, Pınar Karaman is a mother of three. She is an artist who reflects the multifaceted rhythm of life within her work. Pınar Karaman began her academic education in the Department of Business Administration at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences of Dokuz Eylül University. Driven by her passion for art, she furthered her journey by pursuing studies as a "special student" at the Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts. She continues her artistic training under the guidance of faculty members from the Department of Painting at the Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Fine Arts: Prof. Dr. Ahmet Feyzi Korur, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sait Toprak, and Lecturer Özgür Özkan. For her, painting is a form of expression—an inseparable part of life. Each brushstroke carries the rhythm of her existence, the notes of her silence, and the essence of her inner journey onto the canvas. Over time, this passion has transcended mere activity, evolving into a way of life.
To date, the artist has held 45 exhibitions—comprising 26 solo and 18 group shows—bringing 720 of her works to art enthusiasts. Her pieces are primarily created using oil paint and dry pastel techniques. Her exhibition journey, which began in 1989 at the Rize Art Gallery, has since expanded to include venues in Bodrum, Trabzon, Ankara, and various cultural centers in Istanbul, eventually reaching an international dimension with exhibitions in galleries in Paris.
Art Manifesto:
For Pınar Karaman, art is an act of confronting oneself. What is felt within her paintings takes visible form and comes to life. Colors evoke the unseen; every painting tells an internal story. Karaman views her art as a mirror—one that reflects, at times, the light, and at other times, the shadows. At times, it expresses the tenderness of a mother; at other times, it gives voice to the existential pangs of the human condition… While accompanying the individual on their inner journey, the works also leave behind emotional imprints. From the artist’s perspective, a painting invites the viewer to reflect, to feel, and to embark on a spiritual journey.
Source: https://www.izmiricin.com/izmirli-ressam-pinar-karamandan-pariste-cumhuriyet-sergisi/