I studied in France 10 years ago and I finished Fashion degree from MJM, Paris. I decided to continue at the Istasyon Fine Arts Academy for developing my studies in painting areas. Then, I am graduated University of Wolverhampton on Fine Art Illustration Degree. I continued MA studies on MA Fine Art/ Visual Arts at the UAL University of the Arts London, Camberwell College. My artist career begin ten years ago with a solo exhibition called “Illusion and Reality” 28 January to 14 February in İstasyon Fine Arts Gallery. Since I continue to open a solo exhibition every year. In past two years I am interested in Science matters seeing through telescope and microscope. I do research and create new artworks.
Every year I visit other countries for visiting Art exhibitions, museums. Between 2015 to 2017, I have been invited to residency programs such as Visual Art program by SVA (School of Visual Arts), Camac Art residency, Camac in France, Lumen Art Studio, London – Italy. I participated in many group exhibitions in UK, France, Greece and Turkey.
Artist: Guven
Based in Kusadasi, Turkey
Instagram:
silaguvenart
Culturally Arts Collective features:
"Broken Mirrors", June 10 - July 22 2022, Milostka Center for Exhibitions
What do you aim to say by the themes in your art?
I aim to create a bridge between science and art. Since Renaissance Science is a part of art. Furthermore Galileo was Italian physicist and mathematician who constantly was drawing Venus, Moon’s phases and Jupiter’s secondary planets. I observe celestial living’s phases to create my own art. I also use materials from nature as soil, linen, tissues for creating. These materials symbolize humanity and earth.
In my solo exhibitions, I teach people and show them art and science inseparable. I tell children about space discoveries through my paintings. Sometimes, I also make creative writings histories about these livings.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I inspire from Hubble Telescope and James Webb’s images. I follow new researches. After my readings and with my art knowledge, I begin to work. This knowledge takes art forms as paintings or objects.
Although I get my inspiration from art and science, my process comes from living struggle too. I know that I choose subjects depending on my daily life problems. Living issues and personal experiences are part of our lives. I use all these for pushing my art to progress. Without struggle we can’t create.
Do you have experiences that impacted your art?
Yes, I have two experiences.
In 2010, I was MA Visual Art student at the University of the Art London and I was working part-time as an art teacher. I had an opportunity to visit New York Museums and Galleries with a tour to work as a semi guide. During this visit we had a free day. I decided to see Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. I saw a small movie about astronomical discoveries. I have been fascinated about these findings. Since that day, I inspire from space findings in my artworks. I bought a telescope to see what I paint.
In 2021, I have been accepted Mayes Creative Residency program called Above and Below. The program was partnered with Royal Astronomical Society. During the program I worked with Carolyn Kennette, she was a historian of astronomy and Lucinda Offer was RAS education and geophysics specialist. Also Sian Prosser was RAS Archivist. It was an amazing experience to listen and create art with them.
Do you feel your art challenges existing barriers?
Yes, sure. I try to create art with economical obstacle. I can say that our period is difficult and easy in terms of history. We have technology to access necessary information in one click. Our works can be seen anywhere around the World. We can reach anyone around the World. Nevertheless I was thinking in terms of value of art. Because, it is getting harder and harder to find sponsor to continue or taking a place in galleries, art museums.
NFT is becoming another significant online art platform. Art became is more accessible for community at home more than museums. Digital art became more important day to day. I try to adapt myself to these changes. I am progressing on Maya program and astronomy photography to exist in online platforms. This can be challenging to follow Digital change. Give time and investments to certain equipments can be challenging.
What are your long-term artistic goals?
I plan to create a network in New York and London from my country. I plan to be accepted in Art Museums.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Science is lighting our road. Everyone can see a useful part. . Making visual art the continuity and not to give up is important. If we continue with our believes, we will always find a way to do it.
