Asım İşler

In later years, an abstract expressionist approach became prominent in his art. Surface explorations, rhythmic stains, layered paint textures, and calligraphic lines became fundamental elements of his art. Asım İşler was among the important artists who represented Turkey abroad. Among the international exhibitions he participated in are:
-1974 – Salon des Réalités Nouvelles – Paris
-1974 – Salon de Jeune Peinture – Musée d’Art Moderne – Paris
-1988 – 33rd Salon de Montrouge – Paris
-1993 – De Bonnard à Baselitz – Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris
and other important events.
Between 1987 and 1992, he was in France several times at the invitation of the French government. During this period, he collaborated academically and artistically with:
• Paris Academy of Fine Arts (E.N.S.B.A.)
• Paris National Academy of Decorative Arts (E.N.S.A.D.)

• Sorbonne University Faculty of Plastic Arts.
In 1991, he taught as a professor at the Sorbonne University Engraving Workshop. Thus, he also achieved an important position as an internationally recognized educator. The retrospective exhibition titled "Three Cities, Painting and Me," held in the Grand Hall of the Atatürk Cultural Center in 2003, was one of the significant turning points in his artistic life. Throughout his life, the artist has participated in:
• 35 Solo Exhibitions
• Over 150 Group Exhibitions
• Biennials
• Triennials
• Art Fairs. His works are currently in numerous important museums, institutions, and private collections, including:
• Victoria and Albert Museum – London

• Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris

• Cité Internationale des Arts Collection – Paris

• Ministry of Culture and Tourism Collection

• Istanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum

• Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum

• Izmir Painting and Sculpture Museum

• Elgiz Contemporary Art Museum

• Selçuk Yaşar Museum

• DEMSA Collection

• Akbank Collection

He was among the founding members of the Visual Arts Association in 1975. He also participated in the founding of the International Association of Plastic Arts, established in 1986. Asım İşler was also among the first Turkish artists to participate in the Turkish painting auction organized by Sotheby's in London in 1996. The artist passed away in Istanbul in 2007.

Artistic Approach;
Asım İşler's art shows a multi-layered developmental process ranging from figurative expression to abstract expressionist understanding.
While a social realist approach is seen in his early works; in later years, the artist turned to a more abstract, introspective, and experimental expression.
In his art:
• Rhythm
• Movement
• Surface Energy
• Calligraphic Line
• Stained Intensity

• Internal Tension hold an important place.
The technical approach he developed, especially in engraving and original printmaking, has a privileged place in contemporary Turkish art. For the artist, painting is important as:
• A Visual Research Area

• A Thoughtful Process

• The Transfer of Inner Energy to the Surface

• A Plastic Composition.
In Asım İşler's works, an intuitive relationship is felt between European abstract art and the linear rhythm of the East.

Themes and Technical Characteristics;
The main themes and technical characteristics in Asım İşler's art are as follows:
• Abstract Expressionist Expression

• Stained Surface Compositions

• Rhythmic Linear Structure

• Calligraphic Movements

• Layered Paint Textures

• Abstract Spatial Perception

• Inner Energy and Sense of Movement

• Experimental Engraving Techniques

• Lithography and Original Printmaking Applications

• Organic Abstraction Approach

The artist has primarily produced works in the following techniques:
• Oil Painting

• Acrylic

• Engraving

• Lithography

• Watercolor

• Gouache

• Pastel

• Acrylic on Cardboard

• Original Printmaking

Exhibition Chronology;
Selections from Solo Exhibitions
-1974 – Paris Exhibitions
-1980s – Various Solo Exhibitions in France and Turkey
-1990s – Gallery Exhibitions in Turkey and Abroad
-2003 – “Three Cities, Painting and Me” Retrospective Exhibition – AKM Grand Hall – Istanbul

Important International Events Participated In
-1974 – Salon des Réalités Nouvelles – Paris
-1974 – Salon de Jeune Peinture – Musée d’Art Moderne – Paris
-1988 – 33rd Salon de Montrouge – Paris
-1993 – De Bonnard à Baselitz – Bibliothèque Nationale – Paris
-Numerous Biennials, Triennials and International Art Fairs

His Position in Turkish Painting History;
Asım İşler is among the important representatives of contemporary Turkish painting, especially in original printmaking and abstract expressionist approaches. His place in the history of Turkish painting can be summarized under the following headings:
1. Contributing to the Development of Original Printmaking in Turkey

2. Interpreting the Abstract Expressionist Approach with a Strong Plastic Language

3. Demonstrating Technical Competence in the Field of Engraving and Lithography

4. Being an Effective Educator in the Field of Academic Art Education

5. Representing Turkey in the International Art Scene

6. Developing Experimental Surface Research in Contemporary Turkish Painting

Asım İşler is considered an important artist in contemporary Turkish art, both for his production, his identity as an educator, and his contributions to the field of original printmaking.

General Assessment:
Asım İşler's art represents a contemporary understanding of abstraction based on the relationships between line, rhythm, surface, and stain. Throughout his artistic life, which extends from the figurative period to abstract expressionist expression, he has demonstrated an artist identity that is constantly researching, renewing, and engaged in experimental searches. His technical mastery in printmaking, his relationships with international art circles, and his academic work have earned him a significant place in contemporary Turkish art. Today, Asım İşler is regarded as one of the most important representatives of abstract expression and printmaking in contemporary Turkish art.