Malatya, Turkey – In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey’s Malatya province earlier this year, 15-year-old Çiğdem Iyem, a high school student and talented artist, has emerged as a beacon of resilience and hope. Despite the challenges faced by her community, Iyem recently unveiled an exhibition of her paintings at the Teknokent accommodation center, where she and her family have found shelter along with thousands of other earthquake victims.
A Passion for Art and Survival:
From a young age, Iyem discovered her passion for painting, and by the age of 10, she had already begun to explore her artistic talents. The earthquakes in early February not only shook the ground but also rattled Iyem’s world. Recalling the terrifying moments, she shared, “When I woke up to the noise of the earthquake, my first thought was my paintings. I wanted to save them immediately, and once we were safe, we took them with us.”
A Collection of Resilience and Creativity:
Iyem, who has amassed an impressive collection of around 3,000 paintings, carefully selected a few pieces to showcase at the exhibition. Despite the adversity she faced, art remained a constant source of solace and inspiration in her life. “Amidst the challenges, we held onto something. I created this painting just two or three days after the earthquake… Drawing has become an integral part of my life; I constantly express myself through it. In the future, I aspire to become an art teacher and pursue an academic career in graduate school and university,” she expressed with determination.
Praising Talent and Encouraging Growth:
Kübra Benli, Iyem’s visual art teacher, spoke highly of her student’s exceptional talent and praised the range of artistic styles she explored. “Çiğdem possesses immense talent. She had the desire to hold an exhibition, and we wholeheartedly supported her. We observed her expertise in various styles, including geometric abstract, lyrical abstract, surrealist, and portraiture,” Benli acknowledged.
A Path to a Promising Future:
Looking ahead, Benli recommended that Iyem further her studies in fine arts at the university level, which would provide her with an opportunity to refine her artistic language and engage in more scholarly pursuits. By doing so, she could develop her unique artistic voice and contribute even more profoundly to the art world.
An Exhibition of Resilience and Inspiration:
Iyem’s painting exhibition at the Teknokent accommodation center not only serves as a testament to her artistic talent but also provides a source of solace and inspiration for the earthquake victims. Her vibrant and diverse collection reflects the spirit of resilience that runs deep within the people of Malatya. As viewers admire her paintings, they are reminded that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can triumph and create something beautiful.
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The Future Beckons:
Çiğdem Iyem’s unwavering determination and artistic prowess have placed her on a remarkable path towards a promising future. Despite the challenges she has encountered, her passion for art and her commitment to sharing her talent with others remain unwavering. As she continues her education at the “Container City” education campus in Malatya, Iyem’s dreams of becoming an art teacher and pursuing an academic career in the field of fine arts shine brightly, offering hope to all those who encounter her remarkable story.
