Abstract paintings made with ironing technique fascinated me

The event ‘Everyone Can Paint’ held at Firat University featured abstract and realistic paintings created using various techniques, especially receiving praise for the paintings where pastel colors and ironing technique were applied.

Organized by the Fine Arts Society of Firat University in Elazig, the event ‘Everyone Can Paint’ took place. Under the coordination of Ruchan Kececi, an instructor at the Department of Fine Arts Education, the event was implemented within the scope of ‘TUBITAK 1001 Projects’ and attracted a great deal of interest from students. During the event held at the Faculty of Education, students and academics participated by creating abstract paintings using sand art and applying techniques such as ironing with pastel colors on paper. The resulting abstract and realistic paintings were hung on the walls of the faculty. The event was attended by the wife of Firat University Rector Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Goktas, the President of FU Women’s Branch Hulya Goktas, the Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Mehmet Nuri Gomleksiz, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Prof. Dr. Ebru Akpinar, project coordinator instructor Ruchan Kececi, academics, and students.

Expressing that they have made a meaningful contribution to the event through multiple art education, the project coordinator Ruchan Kececi stated, ‘Today, we participated in a very nice event at the Faculty of Education of Firat University. Our event was organized by FU Fine Arts Society under the claim ‘Everyone Can Paint’. People are currently turning their imaginations into beautiful abstract and concrete paintings using pastel colors and heat assistance. At the same time, we are practicing sand art therapy here. There is a great participation. Within the scope of TUBITAK 1001 Projects, we are conducting art therapy for girls affected by the earthquake. Likewise, there are physical education, religious education, and sports training. In line with this purpose, we are trying to support young people in overcoming the trauma through art.’

First-year Painting Education student Ahsen Azra Kara said, ‘Within the project framework, we are assisting our friends with different techniques here. We are painting using the ironing with pastel color technique and, on the other hand, the sand art technique. This was a project aimed at rehabilitating our friends affected by the earthquake. We tried to involve everyone in the project. We believe that everyone can do everything not only with a pencil but also using different techniques.’

Visiting the exhibition, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Ebru Akpinar, said, ‘I am the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, coming from a technical field. It was a very nice event. I also discovered my own talents. I thank Ruchan hocam and my student friends very much.’