Running until February 18, 2024, a cultural immersion at the Arkas Art Center in Izmir beckons visitors themselves into the rich and evocative worlds painted by Devrim and Orhon.
The Center proudly presents the “Two Image Passengers” exhibition, showcasing the masterpieces of Nejad Devrim and Mübin Orhon. For those unacquainted with these artistic pioneers, this exhibition serves as a vibrant introduction to their captivating works.
An exhibition not to be missed for those who are interested in different artistic styles and expressions and abstract painting, this showcase invites art enthusiasts from all corners to explore.
Nejad Devrim (left) and Mübin Orhon
Mübin Orhon
Turkish artist Mübin Orhon, born in Istanbul in 1924, led a multifaceted life that intertwined academia, art, and transformational periods. Graduating from Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences in 1947, Orhon ventured to Paris’s Sorbonne University a year later to pursue a doctorate in Economics.
However, Paris became the birthplace of his artistic journey. Delving into art studies at the Académie de la Grand Chaumiere until 1954, he co-founded the Abstract Art Workshop alongside İlhan Koman, Şadi Çalık, and Şadi Öziş.
Mübin Orhon’s artistic legacy lies in his continual exploration, evolution, and ability to experiment across various artistic styles. His oeuvre showcases a profound depth of thought, contemplation, and a relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of abstract art, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.
Nejad Devrim
Nejad Devrim, a Turkish artist born in Istanbul in 1923, emerged as a significant figure in the art world. Son of painter Fahrelnisa Zeid and writer İzzet Melih Devrim, his artistic passion ignited during Galatasaray High School and flourished at the Academy of Fine Arts in 1942.
His fascination with Arabic letters and abstract Islamic art grew alongside his admiration for Hagia Sophia’s intricate mosaics. From the Yeniler Group to Parisian art circles, his journey shaped his trajectory. Settling in Paris in 1946, he explored stained glass at Chartres Cathedral and Byzantine church mosaics in Ravenna.
Exhibitions revealed a shift to black-and-white art after his experiences in Spain. Evolving through the 1960s, his art embraced Abstract Expressionism, culminating in a unique fusion of colourism within the style. In his later years, settled in Poland, Devrim continued his artistic pursuits until his passing in 1995 in Nowy Sacz.