France Fascinated

Mehveş Demiren's collection also includes decorative art objects.
Anatolian motifs are her main source of inspiration

Neşe Mesutoğlu

- How did you start working with ceramics?

During the years I wanted to study, there was terrorism in Turkey. So, I decided to study abroad. Because studying fine arts abroad appeared to be a luxury, I enrolled at Strasbourg University, Department of Sociology. I wanted to do something useful for my country. After returning to Turkey, I worked for about two years in this sector. But I did not find what I was looking for. So I turned to art and started working in Ayfer Karamani’s workshop in 1985. I really invested a lot of time and energy into ceramics.

- Did you have the chance to learn the art of ceramics while you were abroad?

In Strasbourg, ceramics is very widespread. They organize important ceramic festivals. There are many ceramic workshops in this area as well. I frequently visited my friends, who were working in these workshops. But as a shy person, I only made observations.

- Have you been influenced by Ayfer Karamani’s works of art?

I continue along the line she has taught me. I never met anyone else in arts as generous as she is. I owe her a lot.

- You inaugurated an exhibition in Gallery Christie Couderc in Paris between April 13 and April 30 on the occasion of the 700 years anniversary celebrations of the Ottoman Empire. What is the significance of this exhibition in your career?

It has actually been the peak of my artistic work. I had the honor to be part of the anniversary celebrations organized by the Turkish Ambassador in Paris. This was important for me personally besides the opportunity to represent Turkey at the anniversary celebrations as a contemporary Turkish artist.

- Were you happy with the interest in your exhibition?

The announcements were prepared wonderfully. So the interest was great. The gallery is located in a very touristic area (5. arrondisement). I was lucky it was a popular place. The French press covered the exhibition with great interest. In a considerable number of articles in various magazines I was referred to as a contemporary ceramic artist.

- How did they interpret your work?
Armand Israel, publisher of art books, wrote that my works were characterized by a balanced color harmony. The magazine Art Actualite pointed out that I was very successful in modernizing Anatolian art works.

- What did evoke the greatest interest?

Tables and mirror frames decorated with Turkish motifs and the screens. Furthermore, there was also a major interest in mirror frames decorated with carpet and kilim motifs and applied on antique objects. It is important for me that they can be used as functional objects.

- Which comments did affect you the most?

I was very happy that foreigners who visited Istanbul liked my houses and that young people appreciated my modern works. Although most people did not know anything about the Seljuks, they said my panels were very aesthetic. I was deeply touched by people getting excited about a culture they did not know at all.

- What are the main subjects of your interest?

Bosphorus mansions, Anatolian houses, panels inspired by the Seljukian culture. Besides, I focus on modern works and decoration objects.

- You are interested in Anatolian culture. Do you travel a lot in Turkey?

Yes. I try to get in touch with art and artist wherever I go. I also visit modern art museums. On such occasions the sociologist in me turns up. I always try to reflect my observations in Turkey in my works. Once, I made a trip to the Southeast-Anatolian Project GAP. I was going crazy. There are incredible houses. When I set off with things I am enthusiastic about, then I manage to reflect these feelings onto my ceramic works.

- How do you use ceramics in decoration?

Ceramics and color go very well together. Ceramic panels applied on antiques doors or wrought-iron tables can very well be used for decorative purposes. Different sized ceramic mirror frames are considered as exciting as screens or antiques doors. But as they are very bulky and hard to carry, they are not regarded as perfectly practical.