Prof. Dr. Ferhunde Güler Dizdaroğlu’s First Solo Exhibition “In the Footsteps of Nature – Sumi-e” can be seen at GUBATE Art Gallery until 25 January 2026.
After more than 40 years in academia, Prof. Dr. Ferhunde Güler Dizdaroğlu—former chair of Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and a respected medical scientist and educator—has turned to art. In retirement she focused on the Japanese ink-painting art of Sumi-e, and her first solo painting exhibition, “In the Footsteps of Nature”, opened on 11 January 2026 at GUBATE Art Gallery in Levent and can be visited free of charge until 25 January 2026.
From Medical Career to Artistic Journey
Prof. Dr. Dizdaroğlu concluded her academic and clinical career, which she had pursued since 1976, in 2023. Encouraged by her children during retirement, she began painting and started Sumi-e training at the CSM (Caferağa Sports Centre) Japanese Arts Centre. For almost a decade she has studied and practised this art form, transferring her deep affection for nature, flowers and Japanese aesthetics onto paper.
Sumi-e: Saying More with Fewer Strokes
Sumi-e is the Japanese art of ink painting. With a limited number of brushstrokes, it reflects nature and the inner world by making empty space part of the meaning. In this exhibition Prof. Dr. Dizdaroğlu presents works inspired by the concept of “wabi-sabi” (the aesthetic of imperfection and impermanence), highlighting the silence, elegance and naturalness found in nature. “Sumi-e is not merely painting; it is a philosophy, a meditation,” the artist says. “Saying much with few lines and activating the viewer’s imagination is the most fascinating aspect of this art.”
Exhibition Design and Curation
The exhibition is curated by Gülçin Tezcan, who has collaborated with the artist for many years. Tezcan explains that to honour the title “In the Footsteps of Nature”, they aimed to create a coherent narrative among the works, featuring flowers, birds and objects from nature. She emphasizes that the artist’s scientific background nourishes the meticulousness, balance and sense of proportion evident in the paintings.
Opening Speeches and Strong Interest from the Art Community
At the opening, Erdal Küçükyalçın—one of the pioneers of Japanese arts in Turkey—stated that he sees in Prof. Dr. Dizdaroğlu’s works “a genuine artistic career.” The opening was attended by the artist’s family, colleagues, students and art enthusiasts.
Healing through Art
Prof. Dr. Dizdaroğlu says her main goal is “to evoke beautiful feelings in people”:
“Art awakens kindness, compassion and love. A person endowed with these emotions enjoys healthier mental and physical balance. I recommend that everyone engage in some branch of art; even if you do not practise it, loving and observing it is enough.”
Exhibition Information
Exhibition Title: In the Footsteps of Nature – Sumi-e
Artist: Prof. Dr. Ferhunde Güler Dizdaroğlu
Venue: GUBATE Art Gallery – Levent, Istanbul
Dates: 11 January – 25 January 2026
Visiting Hours: Monday–Saturday 10:00–18:00
Admission: Free
