One of the important names in Turkish painting, Mehmet Güleryüz, passed away in Paris at the age of 86.
One of the important names in figurative art, Mehmet Güleryüz was known for the innovations and strong lines he brought to painting. His art was shaped around themes of social criticism and individual freedom. He treated human figures and facial expressions in a dramatic way in his works, offering intense emotional experiences to the audience.
Mehmet Güleryüz took part in many prestigious exhibitions throughout his artistic life and his works also attracted great attention internationally. Güleryüz's art, especially known for his figurative works, attracted respect and admiration both in Turkey and around the world.
Mehmet Güleryüz, who was considered one of the important names in the art world, will always be remembered for his loss, the works he left behind and his contributions to art.
WHO IS MEHMET GÜLERYÜZ?
Mehmet Güleryüz was born in Istanbul in 1938. Güleryüz, who is of Georgian origin, completed high school at Saint Benoit French High School.
In 1958, he enrolled in the Painting Department of the Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts, now known as Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, by winning the applied talent exam.
He completed his art education in 1966 as the top student of the department. He also participated in theater studies and began his professional acting career in 1963 at the Arena Theater directed by Asaf Çiğiltepe.
He made his first sculptures at the Pont des Arts in Paris, where he went to specialize in painting and lithography with the state scholarship he won. He improved himself in lithography and advanced painting and returned to the country in 1975.
He worked as a lecturer in the painting department of the academy where he graduated for 5 years. He resigned from his position in 1980 to go to New York.
He returned to Istanbul in 1985 from New York, where he stayed until 1984, and taught art education in his own studio until 2000.
He applied to the Council of State in 1998 to cancel the title of “State Artist” given to 89 people, including himself, during Süleyman Demirel’s presidency. Two years later, in 2000, he won the case and returned the title.
Güleryüz had been continuing his work in his own art studio in Paris since 2013.
Source: https://www.sozcu.com.tr/mehmet-guleryuz-hayatini-kaybetti-p81168