Artist Statement
Sena Karatas Ozturk
I usually paint historical towers in my paintings since I believe that they reflect us the social facts about the ancient people lived in those times. I have chosen to paint the Galata tower to symbolize all the ancient buildings in the world. Galata tower is one of the most famous historical towers of Istanbul in Turkey that has been witnessed in many historical periods for centuries. It has served different functions in the service of many civilizations. Although this tower has served Istanbul for centuries, such as a prison and a fire tower, we cannot protect its historical texture. For example, when governments do not have enough budget to renovate them, they might sometimes leave them to their own devices and this case generally ends up with a fire disaster or debris. After a while, we can see new investment projects in these areas. All this process brings a single question to mind, is all this a coincidence? Besides, we have many problems with our historical structures such as wrong restoration, unusual use, ridiculous colors, and nails. I would like to refer to how we deform the historical towers like simple objects and worthless toys by considering them as conceptual aspects to emphasize this insensitive attitude towards our historical heritage. While I am transferring my sketches to the canvas as an abstract expressionist, I generally use oil paint or acrylic paint as painting materials. Sometimes colors appear deeper and more luminous in my paintings by depending on my artistic mood.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Art Education, Department of Art Education, Florida State University, U.S.A, 2021- present
Master of Arts in Education, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Art Education, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, U.S.A, 2018-2020
Language Student, English Language Institute, the University of Texas at Arlington, U.S.A, 2016
English Language Course, English Language Institute, Yıldız Technical University, Turkey, 2015
Bachelor of Art, Ataturk Faculty of Education, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, 2014
Honor Student / Magna Cum Laude
Safranbolu IMKB Anatolia Fine Arts High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Karabuk, Turkey, 2010
Summa Cum Laude
Awards
Excellence and Achievement in Visual Arts Award, Florida State University, Florida, USA, 2022
Higher Education Preservice Art Educator of the Year 2018 Award, AAEA, Alabama, United States of America, 2018
Ministry of National Education Master and Doctorate Scholarship in USA, Ankara, Turkey, 2015
World Art Day Art Contest, Mention, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, 2014
Newspaper Design Days, Fourth Winner of the Great Designs of the Year, Istanbul, Turkey, 2012
Independence March and Mehmet Akif Art Competition, Second Prize, Karabuk, Turkey, 2009
TMMOB Chamber of City Planners Painting Contest, Third Prize, Ankara, Turkey, 2006
The Turkish National Police Painting Contest, First Prize Winner, Zonguldak, Turkey, 2005
Exhibitions
Graduate Students Excellence in Visual Arts, HSF Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House, Florida State University, USA, March 2022-2023
Art Education in Critical Times, School of Fine Arts, Florida State University, USA, 2021
Allyson Comstock: Antarctica: A Disappearing Continent, Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, Birmingham, AL, USA, 2020
Putman Tree & Bird Verses, Department of Art & Art History, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 2019
Collaborations: Of The Unwilling and Unbeknownst, UAB Department of Art & Art History, UAB’s Project Space, Birmingham, AL, USA, 2019
4th Ceramic Art Days, Taksim Maksem Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey, 2017
Kentte Yalan Keşmekeşi, Şirket-i Hayriye Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey, 2014
Printmaking Exhibition, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, 2014
Painting Exhibition, Marmara University Department of Art Education, Istanbul, Turkey, 2013
Solo Exhibition, Dedeman Hotel, Zonguldak, Turkey, 2013
Mother and Me, Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, Demirpark, Zonguldak, Turkey, 2013
Graphic Design Exhibition, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, 2012
