Elif Çelebi, a graduate of Anadolu University’s Printmaking Department, has been passionate about painting since childhood. Having created works using printmaking techniques for many years, Çelebi continues her artistic journey by employing mixed techniques rather than adhering to a single method. Often reflecting her inner world in her works, Çelebi frequently explores the concept of “emptiness” in her paintings. After years of an award-winning artistic career, Çelebi has brought together her first solo exhibition, featuring works created using printmaking techniques, for the art lovers of Eskişehir.

Having won awards for her works in numerous exhibitions she has previously participated in, Çelebi expressed her great happiness at opening her first solo exhibition in Eskişehir. Regarding her artistic journey, Çelebi said, “I was born in Eskişehir in 1994. I graduated from Anadolu University’s Printmaking Department. I was usually in the engraving workshop. My artistic journey, which began with printmaking, evolved into mixed technique works and then oil paintings on canvas. I am a multidisciplinary artist. Instead of progressing in a single technique, I find it much more productive to create works by combining more techniques. I generally prefer to reflect my inner world in my works. The concept of ’emptiness’ has always been important to me. I have always followed and loved Far Eastern art since childhood. I used to always work with collages as a child; I would constantly cut and paste through magazines. All of them are actually reflected in my current works, and now we see a combination of them all. The works here are especially a combination of spotty forms and collages that depict Far Eastern art.”

This exhibition reflects the transformation of my artworks

Çelebi expressed her thoughts about the concept of “Transformation,” the theme of her exhibition, as follows:

“Actually, my goal was not to progress in a single area but to transform it more. I set out asking, ‘What else can I produce by taking engraving and printmaking beyond painting?’ In this process, I started to create works using mixed techniques. Actually, this exhibition reflects a transformation of my artworks.”

I expect the cultural and artistic areas in Eskişehir to increase

Stating that Eskişehir has always been a city intertwined with art, Çelebi said, “I am from Eskişehir and I realize once again how intertwined Eskişehir is with art wherever I go. I was always in it, and as I observed the change and development of Eskişehir in terms of culture and art over time, I really wanted to open my first exhibition here. On this occasion, I expect the cultural and artistic areas in Eskişehir to increase.”

Elif Çelebi’s “Transformation” exhibition will be open to visitors until January 3rd.