OZGE KAHRAMAN

Art and Academic Education:

In 2009, Özge Kahraman was awarded a full scholarship to Yeditepe University’s Department of Plastic Arts (Painting, Sculpture, and Ceramics).

After graduating with distinction in 2013, she pursued her master’s degree at the same university’s Social Sciences Institute, specializing in Plastic Arts. In 2016, she successfully completed her thesis, delving into the themes of caves and cultural heritage, integrating these subjects deeply into her works.

Kahraman’s works have been exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Pera Museum and Ankara State Painting and Sculpture Museum, as well as at numerous national and international exhibitions and art fairs.

 

Caving and Inspiration from Nature:

Through her engagement with caving, Özge Kahraman uncovers the hidden beauty of nature’s depths and reflects these experiences in her art. Actively involved with ASPEG (Anatolian Speleology Group Association), one of Turkey’s most respected caving organizations, Kahraman has been exploring the physical, historical, and aesthetic richness of caves for over 12 years.

Each exploration transforms into a narrative within her artworks. For Kahraman, caves are not merely research sites but also sources of profound inspiration. The intricate details of stalactites, stalagmites, and time-forged natural formations are reimagined on her canvas through a dance of light and shadow.

 

Artistic Approach:

Kahraman’s artistic practice uses caves as a metaphorical lens to explore both individual and collective memory. In her works, caves transcend their role as shelters, embodying themes of belonging, preservation, connecting with the past, and resilience against time.

By reflecting the enigmatic atmosphere of caves, Kahraman aims to take her audience on a journey between the narratives of the past and the realities of the present. Her creations stand as a form of resistance to the erasure of memory in the rapidly changing modern world. The natural protective function of caves becomes a powerful message in her works, emphasizing the importance of preserving collective memory and the traces of historical processes.

 

Technical and Aesthetic Details:

The shapes, layers, and textures of caves are meticulously rendered in Kahraman’s works through the technique of pointillism, offering the viewer a sense of depth. This technique highlights the structural transformations of caves over time and their enduring essence.

Every dot symbolizes the millions of years of history, layers, and formations of the caves. These details invite viewers to explore both the natural and symbolic meanings of caves.

 

Dreams and Ancient Narratives:

Recurring themes in her works include ancient stories and dreams. In many cultures, caves symbolize birth, death, and rebirth. In this context, Kahraman employs caves as a powerful metaphor for the existential journey of humanity. Dreams, representing the hidden fears, desires, and memories of the subconscious, add an additional dimension to the cave theme.

Özge Kahraman’s art, shaped by her passion for caving, invites viewers on a journey into the protective depths of nature, serving as a poignant reminder against the fading memory of the modern world. Each of her works not only showcases the aesthetic richness of caves but also powerfully reflects humanity’s effort to connect with the past and make sense of its existence.