To view this online exhibition, you need Flash 7 player or above from Adobe.
Paintings by Aysen Aycan Orhon
As part of a quest to identify myself, I am examining the identity of Turks in the history as well as in today’s world, using clothing as a visual vehicle.
The natural evolution of the classic Turkish attire, based on the traditions since the migration of Turks from central Asia to Anatolia, had turned into a reform starting from the early 19th century. This was only part of a cultural change for a big, confused nation. My subject, kaftans, specifically kaftans of Ottoman sultans, is a snapshot, a time capsule of what was lost during that change.
I invite the viewer to connect with my works on a truly visual basis and explore what they see. For those who encounter a story between the brush strokes and colors, I would say, enjoy the experience.