Sabri Berkel

Who was Sabri Berkel? (1907 Skopje – 1993 Istanbul)

Sabri Berkel is one of the most important modernist representatives of Turkish painting in the Republican era. Both as an artist and an educator, he played a critical role in establishing a contemporary understanding of painting in Turkey and contributed to the formation of the academic and intellectual foundations of abstract art. He has secured a lasting place in Turkish art history, particularly with his works in engraving, printmaking, and abstract composition.

Life and Education:

After completing his primary and secondary education in Skopje, Sabri Berkel received a diploma from the Preparatory Department of the Belgrade School of Fine Arts in 1927-1928. He then studied fresco and engraving for two years at the Felice Carena studio of the Florence Academy of Fine Arts. In 1935, he came to Türkiye and held his first solo exhibition in the Academy’s halls. He worked as a painting teacher in Ankara for two years. In 1939, he became an assistant in the engraving workshop at the Academy’s painting department.
He worked as a gallery teacher in the Decorative Arts Department from 1949 to 1974, and as the Head of the Higher Painting Department from 1965 to 1969. In 1961, he won first prize at the 22nd State Painting and Sculpture Exhibition with his painting “Composition No. I”.
He spent his childhood and youth in an environment close to European culture.
He began his art education in Italy. During his education, he had the opportunity to directly experience European modernism. He was particularly influenced by Italian modernism and early abstract art movements.
After returning to Turkey, he continued his art education and production in an academic environment. For many years:
He worked within the Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts and trained numerous artists there.
During his years at the Academy, he made significant contributions to the systematization of modern art education in Turkey.

Awards;
1991: Title of State Artist of the Republic of Turkey

Academic Career and Instructor Identity;
Sabri Berkel was not only a prolific artist, but also a powerful art theorist and educator. At the Academy:
• He contributed to the development of the fundamental understanding of art education.
• He incorporated the theoretical foundations of modern art into the curriculum.
• He supported the development of printmaking and graphic arts disciplines.
Many of his students would become influential figures in the development of contemporary art in Turkey. One of them was Altan Gürman.