Love Letter to Merih
“Merih'e Ask Mektubu” (Love Letter to Merih), is a series of charcoal drawings created in 2024. I use these drawings to reconnect with my Turkish heritage. Through reference of old family photographs and imagined drawings, I reinterpret my family history. This project also includes a film created in 2026 that reflects the current issues my family faces as immigrants.
“Manti That Was Never Made”, 42inx30in, Charcoal on Paper, 2024
“Going Home”, 42inx30in, Charcoal on Paper, 2024
Film Project
A 2026 film created based on my “Love Letter To Merih (Merih'e Ask Mektubu)” drawing series. Created using newly shot footage and family videos. The footage ranges from 1990-2026, and was shot on three types of cameras. Standard VHS tape, mini VHS tape, and mini sony handycam disc’s. The film explores the grief, and distance, my family has been encountering over the past year.
“Aile Birimi”
3ft by 1.5 ft, conte pencil on toned paper, 2024. Created in my junior drawing series class. Using a picture of my grandparents from the 70’s, I referenced renaissance family portraiture paintings. The large scale demands attention and hints to traditional depictions o royalty. I used this drawing as a gateway to learning more about my Turkish side of my family. Which for a long time has been a mystery.