Talking about the "Inner Cosmos" exhibition opened on February 10, Özel talked about the postponement process of the exhibition due to the pandemic. Explaining the evolution of his art practice, the artist stated that he wanted to share his journey in the Inner Cosmos exhibition, the transition periods from figure to abstract language, and the 'backbone of his art' related to the exhibition with the audience. He stated that Inner Cosmos is an enjoyable exhibition in that he can show his works, which he sees as the cornerstone since 2010, to art lovers.
Drawing attention to the fantastic elements in his paintings, Özel said that his works; He stated that there are collages of images that set out with an abstract language but have a story in the background, filtered from mythology and our beliefs, and circulating in our repertoire. Expressing that he is sensitive about leaving space for the audience, feeling the plasticism of the painting and getting the audience into the event, the artist expressed that he wants every receiver to find something about their own world. He said that through the wide spaces, pure colors and vague symbols he uses in his works, the viewer can enter his own world.
My Main Purpose Is To Make The Way To A Positive World Together With The Audience
Ozel mentioned that when he looks at his past paintings, he re-experiences his current feelings and that there is a kind of encounter situation.
Hülya Küpçüoğlu's "How would you evaluate the relationship between pandemic and art?" As an artist who opened an exhibition during the pandemic process, Özel answered that the art environment has both positive and negative concerns and emphasized that production is what keeps us alive despite all these concerns. Touching on the healing power of holding on to art despite all the negativity and pessimism experienced, the artist mentioned that he continued to produce art in his workshop during the period we stayed at home.
In response to the question of where today's art has evolved, Özel emphasized that the digital world still has some deficiencies and that we need the sanctity of the sense of touch, and stated that this is precious and valuable. Towards the end of the program, he said that his versatile artist identity nourished him and emphasized the importance of sharing and said that he produced his art with the endless energy he got from this sharing.
You can click here to watch the program, which ended with Küpçüoğlu's thank you speech, on YouTube.