Hungarian artist Paul Hitter's "Distant Relative" painting exhibition opened at the Altunizade Culture and Art Center.
In the exhibition, Hitter blends historical figures with the present day, presenting a rich selection ranging from Mimar Sinan to Yunus Emre, Piri Reis to Karagöz, Ottoman sultans to Atatürk, and street culture to traditional motifs.
At the exhibition opening, Paul Hitter discussed his deep connection to Istanbul and Turkish culture and how this connection has influenced his art.
Hitter stated that he loves history and is inspired by it, saying, "This is a perfect coincidence. I'm also a little crazy and I seek beauty. I found all of this in Türkiye, and especially in Istanbul. The Balkans and Türkiye have so much in common. Seeing this was very important for me. I'm like a child in Istanbul. Children are actually voracious and get bored easily. The only difference being a child is that I don't have the opportunity to get bored in Istanbul. It's a very dynamic city."
Hitter, noting that everything becomes more frenetic as technology and the modern world accelerate, stated that his aim is to enable viewers to find the past in his paintings, experience the present, and express their hopes for the future, emphasizing that the past should not be forgotten.
Exhibition curator Numan Noyan Küçük explained that Hungarian-born artist Hitter discovered not only a city but also a culture and a state of mind during a trip to Istanbul years ago.
Küçük emphasized that the "Distant Relative" exhibition reflects the artist's heartfelt journey and mutual inspiration from Turkish culture, noting:
"It took us on a journey through a rich and layered cultural universe, stretching from Mimar Sinan to Karagöz, from Yunus Emre to Atatürk. Every figure, every detail you'll see in this exhibition is both a bearer of the past and a witness to the present. Perhaps most importantly, there's more than just an observer here. Here's an artist who sincerely participates in this culture. We, too, are now distant relatives. The exhibition was a 'homecoming' for the artist and an opportunity for us to reconnect with culture, history, and art."
"THIS SINCERE APPROACH DRAWS THE VIEWER INTO HITTER'S WORLD"
Küçük emphasized that Paul Hitter's works allow him to sincerely construct his efforts to elevate the human spirit and his love for the Turks, which he sincerely conveys in his paintings. He said, "Therefore, the exhibition's structure depicts Hitter's inner journey while emphasizing his love and sincerity. Thus, the exhibition offers not only a visual presentation but also an experience that introduces the viewer to Hitter's emotional bonds, allowing us to witness this powerful story. This sincere approach makes the exhibition's structure more intimate and meaningful, drawing the viewer into Hitter's world."
Küçük emphasized that the exhibition provides a significant opportunity to further promote Turkish art, saying, "Paul Hitter's deep respect for Turkish culture and Istanbul, as well as his interest in it, is reflected in his works. The cultural interaction in his art becomes one of the key elements that demonstrate to the world how Turkish art and culture are perceived in a universal context. Furthermore, the exhibition provides a platform that highlights the originality and depth of Turkish art, allowing art lovers to forge a closer connection with Türkiye's artistic heritage."
The exhibition, projected by Vadvil Yapım with contributions from Hpo Tech, is curated by Numan Noyan Küçük, coordinated by Kerem Tayfun Özünal, edited by Zeynep Çelik, and handled graphic design and video by Enes Karatay.
The "Distant Relative" exhibition will be open to the public until September 16th.
PAUL HİTTER;
Born in Bucharest in 1982, the Hungarian-born artist turned to art with a talent recognized at an early age. Following his graduation from the Bucharest High School of Fine Arts, Hitter earned his painting and graphic artist degree at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied with artists such as Nikolaus Lang, Sean Scully, and Karin Kneffel.
Hitter's works have been exhibited in numerous private and public collections around the world, particularly in Europe.
Source: https://istanbulticaretgazetesi.com/paul-hitterin-uzaktan-akraba-resim-sergisi-istanbulda-acildi