Close to Me, Far from Me: Paintings by Tuncay Topcu

Carpenter Lobby Gallery
Exhibit Dates:  Nov 4 – Feb 24
Opening Reception: Nov 4 from 2-4PM; artist talk at 3:30PM

This exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Contemporary Islamic Art Forum (CIAF), features the art of Turkish artist, Tuncay Topcu. In his paintings, Tuncay Topcu reflects upon the empathy he has established with the outside world, and that comes through on the canvas with an abstract expressionist attitude.  Color and line change from moment to moment with the changing rhythm of life, on their way to achieving a form of lyrical expression. The use of rich colors strengthens the visual effect as Topcu layers them skillfully, without muddying the canvas.

While the color that creates the image exists on the surface of the canvas as a symbol of the artist’s emotionality and naivety, the line is a reflection of its exciting and dynamic structure. In fact, it is the line which ultimately declares its dominance, asserting itself, and emerging as a preeminent element, giving life to his paintings. Metaphorically, the line functions as the veins of the composition, allowing the painting to live.

While the works on display in this exhibition can be thought of as living in this way, there is a duality to them in the fact that they also represent the artist’s reflections of his life, stage by stage. Viewing the works, you can feel both the incredible closeness (close to me) and the incredible distance (far from me) between yesterday’s and today’s Tuncay Topcu.

But who exactly is yesterday’s Tuncay Topcu, and who is today’s Tuncay Topcu?  In his past, Topcu has held more than 30 personal exhibitions in America, England, Germany, Italy, Austria, Greece, China, Iran and Kuwait. Today, Tuncay Topcu continues to produce art from his workshop in Izmir while also working as a pilot in Tekirdağ.  He is an important representative of the Abstract Expressionist approach in contemporary Turkish painting, whose works can be found in prestigious institutions and private collections around the world.

Related Events

November 4: Opening Reception & Artist Talk
November 5: Painting and Drawing Workshop for Adults
November 5: Painting and Drawing Workshop for Kids/Teens

Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat from noon to 5PM
Irving Arts Center’s galleries are open for viewing free of charge during regular gallery hours Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 PM.

Please Note: A portion of the exhibition is accessible only by stairs.