ERNA UCAR

Erna Ucar, born in Ankara in 1979, is an artist with a profound connection to diverse cultures and climates. Graduating from the Graphic Design School at the Fine Arts Faculty of Hacettepe University in 2001, Erna embarked on a journey that took her to Moscow, where she lived from 2004 to 2014. It was during her time in Moscow that she developed a deep fascination with Russian Fine Arts, particularly Neoclassicism and Romanticism.

Living in Cyprus, Turkey, Russia, and Malaysia, Erna's art reflects the impact of her experiences in different geographies and climates. Her large-scale paintings, influenced by Russian fine art, showcase dreamy color palettes and delicate, feminine silhouettes. Drawing from her background in graphic design, Erna brings a meticulous attention to detail in all her compositions, whether they are figure studies, abstract paintings, or idealized landscapes.

Erna's artistic exploration is evident in her large-scale paintings, where she layers clusters of individuals in various settings and poses. The canvases, both energetic and lonely, capture the essence of human connection and solitude simultaneously.

In her series titled "In The Room," Erna Ucar delves into the intricacies of human connection. She expresses, "In The Room series, I don’t worry about proportions or perspective but focus instead on the individuality and solitude of these figures in a crowded space." The paintings, characterized by raw materials, different textures, and dreamlike expressions, invite viewers to contemplate the depth of human emotions.

Erna's love for her work is reflected in her attention to material and texture. Using cotton canvas in its raw form, she applies layers of acrylic with a creamy consistency, incorporating natural sand and sand paste with acrylic/liquid watercolor mixtures. Figures come to life with a graphite touch, casting shadows and adding depth to the atmospheric narrative.

The artist's exploration of the room theme is profound. She emphasizes the lack of eye contact among the figures, creating a sense of isolation within a crowded space. The Room series tells a story with a beginning and an end, focusing on the human subject in a defined space. Erna captures the essence of life within the four walls, where the frame delineates borders, and time seems to stand still.

Through her art, Erna Ucar invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of human interaction, the interplay of colors and textures, and the timeless stories unfolding within confined spaces.