Artist in conversation: Zerrin Atakan
“ The fantastical images come from my imagination but usually they reflect parts of the real world we live in as symbols…”
Meet Zerrin Atakan, a vibrantly creative, self-taught artist who traded her doctor's stethoscope for a paintbrush, fully embracing the artist's way. Zerrin's creations burst forth from a universe of fantastical creatures and scenes, each piece a product of free association, a spontaneous interplay between her mind, heart, and hand. As a keen observer of life, she draws inspiration from the world around us, from nature's grandeur to the intricate web of human interactions. Unveiling the deep connections between seemingly unrelated events, Zerrin's artistry reflects the intriguing interplay of environmental and sexual dichotomies. Each of her paintings weaves a captivating tale, inviting viewers to dive into their depths and lose themselves in reflection. Her artistic process is a blend of meticulous research, often drawing from her own photography or internet sources, and her unique, surreal yet realistic, and naïve technique. Celebrating colour and light in equal measures, her works, though subject to individual interpretations, are designed to arrest the viewer's eye and provoke thought.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
As a child in Turkey, I used to assist my father painting miniatures with gouache, which led me to enjoy working on fine details. I’ve always liked a challenge and do not like things to come too easily to me. As a teenager I did my first oil paintings. Later on I discovered airbrush art. The challenge and the excitement of not being able to see the actual work until all the masking film is removed at the end was exhilarating.
More recently, I have also been making digital artwork using the Procreate app and an Apple pencil. My education did not include any art lessons, so I developed my techniques initially from books, later on from the Internet and through trial and error. I am still learning.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
From a very young age, I was almost organically drawn to surreal art, as I find the images to be intriguing and involving. I like telling stories through my paintings and usually do not disclose what they mean. Instead I prefer people to make their own interpretations. This means the viewer can be more involved as images mean different things to different people. My themes include the things I love; nature, creatures, being a woman and human emotions. I am deeply concerned about what humans are doing to the world we live in and the unfairness we create.
As a self-taught artist who transitioned from a career in medicine to full-time art, could you tell us more about how this shift impacted your artistic journey? How has your medical background influenced your art and the way you approach your creative process?
I knew I always loved the process of painting but unfortunately during my medical training and work as a doctor (a psychiatrist and a researcher) I hardly had time to do much creative work. So the work I produced was very sporadic. I knew the creative part of me was highly neglected and I was itching to go back to it one day. That day eventually came during the pandemic when I decided to retire.
Of course my medical training, particularly my specialty, which deals with the human mind and emotions are really inseparable from my art. As humans and women the way we relate emotionally to one another and to the environment we live in have both heavily influenced my topics. I also like to research my topics intensively before committing them to canvas.
Your artwork is described as fantastical and reflective of the interconnectedness of nature and people. How do you navigate the balance between the natural world and human experiences in your artwork?
The fantastical images come from my imagination but usually they reflect parts of the real world we live in as symbols. Sometimes I let my hand freely draw an image and then realise what comes out has a meaning or connection to the world I live in. It is almost as if my brain only comprehends what my hand is doing after the event! We may live in different parts of the world and in different cultures but we all have very similar thoughts and emotions as humans. This fact is often forgotten or ignored. I try to reflect that in my images. We, including other animals, are all an integral part of the world we live in. We are connected to the earth and we will all go back to it one day.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
I made a painting entitled “1998” in which there is a wall with graffiti and a close painting of a woman’s vulva and clitoris behind a vent grill, surrounded by a plant growing from a crack in the wall. The number 1998 is painted with red dripping paint underneath. 1998 was the year when the clitoris was first defined anatomically by an Australian female doctor. This is an amazing fact, unknown to many. Even though the human anatomy has been well known for centuries, this is the only body part, which was ignored medically until as recently as 1998. Isn’t that interesting?
Unfortunately though, it is a challenge to display this artwork on social media, or anywhere else, due to the explicit nature of the female genital organ, despite the fact that I want the world to know about this massive “ignorance”, and to think about the absolute unfairness of it all. I continue to struggle with myself to put it out there, so it remains on the wall in my studio.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
Well, I only know a few, as I have only recently been working as a full time artist. One of my paintings was exhibited at the London Biennale in 2021, when I met some artists and have been following their work via social media. I regularly check the internet art pages and examine other artists’ work. I could certainly do with more connection, as painting is a lonely job. I am also a regular visitor to galleries.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
My audience is usually friends and family and some find my artwork to be “too strange” and do not engage at all. But some others get really involved and make comments and give feedback.
I find some feedback to be useful and try to correct or modify the work accordingly, but at other times I do not agree with the feedback and carry on with what I believe in. I feel staying true to myself is essential. I could easily make accessible, pretty images, but that is not me.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
Fortunately, I love the process of creating new work and forget how the time passes. In fact towards the end of an artwork, I feel sad that it is finishing and try to slow down, to extend the time. I then have a period of thinking about the next one, its subject matter, why it is important at that specific time and spend time researching the theme by checking images and the idea I have. Setbacks happen, when I am away from my studio for a period of time, like holidays. But then I do digital artwork, which helps develop ideas towards my next project. So far, I have not yet had a creative block.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am absolutely thrilled and excited that you have chosen two of my paintings to be exhibited! Thank you! As mentioned earlier, as an artist working alone, I need acknowledgment and constructive feedback. I am hoping that I will make good use of the connections you will provide.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I want to be acknowledged for my art and want to share my story telling through it, with others. I feel I have to develop my work continuously and learn more. I so look forward to the challenges and hard work needed to achieve this.
Thank you!