Erdem Baytemur

Who is Erdem Baytemur? (1998-Elazığ)

Erdem Baytemur was born in 1998 in Baskil district of Elazığ. He spent part of his childhood in the village school; he tried to complete the first grade there, but due to the difficulties he experienced at school and the corporal punishment he received from teachers, his family moved to the district. He completed his primary education at Elazığ Atatürk Primary School and his secondary education at Vakıfbank Secondary School. Baytemur, who has an introverted personality, spent his high school years as a boarding student for four years at Malatya Abdülkadir Eriş Fine Arts High School. This period was when he became more closely acquainted with art and began to develop his talents. He completed his university education at İnönü University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Painting (Malatya). During this four-year period, the basic structure and style of his paintings took shape. However, Baytemur frequently states that the university did not contribute anything to him, but rather harmed his creativity. The artist, who had difficulty getting along with academics, held his first solo exhibition at the Pinelo Art Gallery in Istanbul during his university years. After giving up his studies, he lived between Istanbul and Ankara for a while. He held his second solo exhibition at the Canvas Art Gallery in Ankara. Later, he completed his education and graduated. He currently lives and works in Ankara. His artistic practice is shaped by the mystical mountains of Elazığ and the ancient stories of Anatolia; these roots manifest themselves in his works with a strong narrative and layered visuality.

Education;
• İnönü University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Painting Department – Graduate
• Malatya Fine Arts High School
• Elazığ (Primary and Secondary School)

Artistic Perspective;
My artistic practice is nourished by the mystical narratives and ancient stories of Anatolia; especially during my childhood in Elazığ, the mountains of the region and local legends deeply affected me. I combine these mystical elements with mountain imagery, transforming them into a contemporary pictorial language. I translate symbols from Anatolian folklore such as the “Forty” motif (Mount Forty, pilgrimage sites, the Sufi and mythological meaning of the number forty: mystery, protection, sainthood) onto my canvas with a modern interpretation. In the future, I plan to expand this approach with installations, different materials, and interdisciplinary collaborations; aiming for a journey full of surprises that invites the viewer to a layered exploration of the Anatolian spirit.