Contemporary Turkish Female Artists: Experiences of Migration, Expression and Women’s Rights

Mgr. Gulgez Irem Ercan

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis explores the migration of Turkish female artists to other countries as a means of escaping the cultural and societal constraints that hinder their artistic expression and career advancement in Turkey through examining the work of three female Turkish artists: Nevin Aladağ (1972-), Şükran Moral (1962-), and Esra Gülmen (1986-). The research explores the driving factors behind their migration, such as limited prospects for artistic development, gender-related challenges, and societal restrictions on creative expression in their home country. By closely examining the artworks of Gülmen, Moral, and Aladağ, this thesis explains the emerging themes from their migration experiences. It analyzes how their art reflects their exploration of identity, cultural displacement, gender dynamics, and the fusion of diverse cultural influences. To summarize, this thesis aims to understand the motivations and experiences of Turkish female artists as immigrants in Europe, shedding light on their journeys and artistic contributions of individuals.

Abstract:

This thesis explores the migration of Turkish female artists to other countries as a means of escaping the cultural and societal constraints that hinder their artistic expression and career advancement in Turkey through examining the work of three female Turkish artists: Nevin Aladağ (1972-), Şükran Moral (1962-), and Esra Gülmen (1986-). The research explores the driving factors behind their migration, such as limited prospects for artistic development, gender-related challenges, and societal restrictions on creative expression in their home country. By closely examining the artworks of Gülmen, Moral, and Aladağ, this thesis explains the emerging themes from their migration experiences. It analyzes how their art reflects their exploration of identity, cultural displacement, gender dynamics, and the fusion of diverse cultural influences. To summarize, this thesis aims to understand the motivations and experiences of Turkish female artists as immigrants in Europe, shedding light on their journeys and artistic contributions of individuals.

Keywords

migration, Turkish female artists, cultural displacement, immigrant artists, freedom of artistic expression, Esra Gülmen, Şükran Moral, Nevin Aladağ, migrace, turecké umělkyně, kulturní vyko, umělci přistěhovalci, svoboda uměleckého vyjádření

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 14. 7. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 7. 9. 2023
• Supervisor: B.A. Matthew Rampley, Ph.D.
• Reader: M.Phil. Julia Secklehner, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Visual Cultures and Art History / Visual Cultures and Art History