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CLASSICS TURKISH PAINTERS

Kaya Tanyeri

Who was Kaya Tanyeri? (1930 Zonguldak – 2019 Istanbul)

Kaya Tanyeri was born in Zonguldak in 1930. After completing his secondary education, he graduated from Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy. He practiced pharmacy for many years, mainly earning a living by running his own pharmacy in Kadıköy. Although his relationship with art began at a young age, his professional artistic production developed over time. Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, whom he met in the 1960s, played an important role in shaping his understanding of art. This relationship was decisive not only in a technical sense, but also in terms of the relationship between art and life and the establishment of connections with cultural roots. The artist spent most of his life in Istanbul and passed away there on April 10, 2019.

His Turn Towards Art and His Multidisciplinary Production Period;
Kaya Tanyeri was interested not only in painting but also in different fields of visual arts. Between 1965 and 1970, he ran his own photography studio, worked as a portrait photographer, and held photography exhibitions. During the same period, he also produced short films and won first prize three times in the Hisar short film competitions.
While his work in photography and cinema was prominent in the 1970s, his production shifted primarily to painting after 1985.

Artistic Perspective:
Kaya Tanyeri’s artistic approach is based more on individual expression and intuitive production than on academic rules.
The fundamental characteristics of his artistic understanding are:
• Subconscious images and imaginary spaces
• Establishing a psychological connection between figure and space
• Creating a narrative between reality and imagination
• Focusing on expressive power rather than technical perfection
This approach parallels the individual and experimental art trends that developed in Turkey, especially after the 1960s.

Style and Technical Characteristics
The artist's works generally exhibit the following characteristics:
• Expression close to a surreal atmosphere
• Experimental composition approach
• Fantastic and dreamlike spatial constructs
• Time-space breaks
• Use of symbolic figures
Technically:
• Production primarily using oil paint
• Form construction based on drawing
• Layered paint application
• Depth of light and shadow

Thematic Approach
Human and Inner World
Figures are often solitary, thoughtful, and introspective.
The Space Between Reality and Dream
Scenes where daily life and dreamlike atmospheres merge are seen.
Individual Memory and Life Observation
The artist combines observational power with intuitive expression.

Exhibition Activities;
Between 1987 and 2017, he exhibited in various art galleries in Istanbul, primarily:
• Akbank Art
• Yapı Kredi Culture and Art
• UPSD (International Association of Plastic Arts)

Artwork Development Chronology;
1. Early Period (1960 – 1985)
• Production primarily focused on photography and film
• Formation of the foundations of visual composition
2. Transition to Painting Period (1985 – 2000)
• Figurative and narrative paintings
• Experimental spatial compositions
3. Mature Period (2000 – 2019)
• Strengthening of surreal expression
• Establishment of a symbolic and personal language

His Place in Turkish Painting;
Kaya Tanyeri is particularly evaluated in the following aspects:
The Non-Academic Artist Tradition
He is seen among the artists who created an original language without receiving art education.
The Artist Profile Turning to Late Period Art
He is one of the important examples showing that art is not age-dependent.
The Alternative Art Production Model
He adopted an individual production and sharing model outside the gallery system. Kaya Tanyeri's art:
• Is internal and intuitive
• Creates psychological expression through figures
• Produces a visual language between reality and dream
• Is independent of academic conventions
He is among the representatives of individual production courage, experimental approach and non-academic art practice in Turkey.

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