Retired Teacher Converted Basement into Workshop

Fesih Özyurt, a painter and visual arts instructor born in Erzurum, continued his artistic work after retiring from public service by transforming the basement of the building where he lives into a workshop, and exhibited the works he prepared at the Çifte Minareli Medrese.

Boarding School Years and Art

Fesih Özyurt stated that he started his education in boarding schools due to the lack of opportunities in villages, and that the longing for his family during this period directed him towards art.

Expressing that he studied in boarding schools for eleven years, the artist noted that this process laid the foundations of his understanding of contemplation and art.

Workshop Established in the Basement

Participating in public education courses after retirement, Özyurt began searching for a private space for himself after the pandemic process, guided by miniature model artist Doğan Hattatoğlu.

With the support he received from the management of the building where he resides, the artist turned the vacant basement into a workshop and has been continuing his work in this space for about three and a half years.

Works with Historical and Nature Themes

Stepping into his painting life in 1984 with the encouragement of his colleague, Özyurt predominantly includes nature themes in his works.

Drawing portraits of historical figures from the Seljuks to the Ottomans and the Republican era, the artist aims to convey the traces of the past to new generations.

Exhibition at Çifte Minareli Medrese

The artist presented the paintings he prepared in his basement workshop to the appreciation of art lovers at the historical Çifte Minareli Medrese, one of the symbolic structures of Erzurum.

At the event, which received intense interest and is his 18th solo exhibition, the works were put up for sale at prices around eleven thousand TL.