Tribute to novelist Orhan Kemal by Turkish artist in Delhi

Thinkstock Photo, For representational purposes only

New Delhi: Turkish artist Serdar Leblebici has taken inspiration from fellow novelist Orhan Kemal to create art that aims to express in multi dimensions, the life struggles of Cukurova- a region in the south-central Turkey - during the 1930s.

"Art and culture are the most enduring link which unites people and countries apart from the bureaucratic and diplomatic issues," Turkish Ambassador to India Burak Akcapar, who inaugurated an exhibition of works by Leblebici said here recently.

The artist is currently displaying 32 of his oil on canvas paintings in an exhibition titled 'On the Edge of the City' at Art Spice Gallery at the The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa here.

"Diverse exchange of culture has helped building relations between India and Turkey. Artists from Turkey have displayed their work and talent here and the response we get here is completely overwhelming," ambassador Akcapar said.

The artist says his works depict not just human emotions, but emotions of all kinds of living beings.

"Through my paintings I've tried to depict the most important thing, which is life. Inspiration comes from not only nature and emotions of humans but from all other living beings too," Leblebici said.

The artist, who spoke in Turkish said, "I use it to paint with my own style and my own appeal. I believe that if something inspires me, it can be used to inspire other people as well."

The painter said he was inspired by Orhan Kemal's novel 'Cemile'. "After reading I got so excited that I decided to express it in my own artistic way," he said.Kemal is best known for his realist novels that tells the stories of the poor in Turkey.

In Leblebici's works images and portraits have been created with a play of light and dark colors bringing out numerous emotions of a living spirit. The colors define the shadows and lights in a certain vivid way which guarantees to attract the human eye.

While talking about his experience in India the Izmir-born painter said he was inspired by India's "deep culture and its mystic composition" and that he was happy to be here.

"I feel honored to share my paintings with the art lovers here," Leblebici said.

Meanwhile the Turkish ambassador said Turkey is a growing destination for Indians.

"In the three years of my time in India, I have never met anyone who didn't like Turkey. There's been a 50 per cent increase in the visa applications from Indians who are keen to visit Turkey," he said.