Tuba Ahsan, a fashion designer who was born in Istanbul. She is a versatile figure in the fashion industry, working in various sectors such as Haute Couture, Modest Fashion, Accessories, and Fast Fashion.
Tuba Ahsan holds a particular fondness for oil painting, which has become a significant part of her artistic journey. Her works often depict the adventures of women in different cultures, civilizations, and times through her understanding of colour and light. The Turkish artist’s individual style is characterised by abstract techniques and the use of glazing to add depth and texture to her artwork. Ahsan is also providing support to the popular Turkish Artist Mr. Cemal Toy at his painting workshop.
The artist is currently a part of the collective "Rising from the Ashes" which has travelled to Bangladesh to showcase collaborative artistic efforts of Turkey and Bangladesh, focusing on the aftermath of an earthquake.
- How did you decide to organise this exhibition?
After the earthquake disaster in Turkey, we decided to turn our exhibition in New Jersey into a charity exhibition. As artists, we contemplated how we could contribute and decided to use the sales of our artworks to build wooden houses for those who had lost their homes.
- Could you provide some insight into the theme or inspiration behind your artworks in the exhibition?
Our exhibition features 16 Turkish artists, each with their unique styles and themes. The overall theme of the artworks can be characterised by patterns and colours influenced by the culture and city we live in.
- How do you think Turkish culture or art is reflected in your pieces?
Our artworks reflect a wide spectrum of Turkish culture, as Turkish culture has encompassed various Anatolian patterns and colours since the Ottoman era. Kilim patterns, distinctive Ottoman oil and patterns, and the natural colours of our country are highly prevalent in our art.
- What are your thoughts on the idea of using your art as a means to raise awareness and provide assistance?
The primary goal of an artist is self-expression, to communicate through art. In some artworks that take months to create, the sole purpose is to speak through art. During this process, artists find solace and healing within themselves. The healing power of art is incredibly potent, and using this power to touch and heal people's lives is a noble purpose for us.
- What was the experience like collaborating with Bangladeshi artists?
Coming together with a culture that is so different from ours but with the same purpose, uniting through art, and discovering how many commonalities we share in the world of art was truly a special experience.
- Could you share any plans or future art projects you have in mind following the exhibition?
This exhibition started in New Jersey, and then expanded to Qatar, Kuwait, Milan, and Bangladesh. We plan to continue this journey until the needs of earthquake victims in our country are met and they can return to normal life. In November, we have exhibitions scheduled in Malaysia and Amsterdam, followed by exhibitions in Guangzhou and Shanghai,
China. We are also in contact with countries where our plans have not yet been finalized. In Turkey, we have an artist group called "Birlikte Sanat," and continuing our work is our strongest goal.
Inaugurated September 22 at Aloki, the five-day exhibition in Bangladesh features works from Bangladeshi and Turkish artists.