Cansu Ceren İlkan is a multidisciplinary artist born in Berlin and currently based in Istanbul. Her artistic journey began in childhood, leading her to explore abstract expressionist paintings, song composition, and poetry writing. Through her works, Ceren focuses on translating raw emotions onto canvas, using colors as her primary medium to convey unique feelings. Her goal is to engage viewers' subconscious minds and evoke deep emotions through her "Alive, Deep and Hearty" artworks. With exhibitions in Istanbul, London, Dublin, and Paris, Ceren İlkan is recognized for her captivating abstract expressionist creations.
Since when do you paint and what are your favourite motives?
I have always had a strong interest in art. Since childhood, I have been writing poems and songs. However, as time passed, words alone couldn't adequately express my feelings. This realization led me to express my emotions through colors, thus beginning my journey into painting. All my artworks are reflections of poems, and my primary motivation is emotions. I paint to find my own happiness and to bring joy to others through my art as well.
When you create a new work, how do you proceed? What comes first?
I don't usually engage in any specific preparation when starting a new painting. The concepts and stories behind my artworks come to me suddenly, but I require strong emotions as a starting point. This initial spark guides my selection of colors and marks, after which I let the creative process flow naturally.
From what do you get your motivation?
Through my art, I employ bold strokes and vibrant colors to convey my innermost feelings. Each painting represents a voyage into my emotions, blending chaos and order. My aim is for viewers to experience something unique when they observe my art, as if they are embarking on an emotional exploration. I draw inspiration from the world's chaos and harmony, intending to evoke raw emotions and energy in those who engage with my work.
Your life without art would be...
A life without art, for me, would lack color, emotion, and expression. Art serves as my means of connecting with the world and comprehending myself on a deeper level.
What is the best art place in your city at the moment?
The city in which I reside, Istanbul, is an art form in itself, brimming with inspiration from its rich history. It serves as a meeting point where the modern perspectives of the west converge with the oriental dynamics of the south, acting as a bridge between diverse cultures. Every nook and cranny of this city is a prime location for art exploration.
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