Painter Ceren Göğebakan was a guest on the program “Sanatın Evrimi” (The Evolution of Art) this week. Günsu Saraçoğlu, who prepared and hosted the program, shared detailed information about Ceren Göğebakan’s life with the viewers.

In the episode broadcast on March 3, 2026, at 6:30 PM on the YouTube channel of Turkey News Portal, viewers will have the opportunity to discover Ceren Göğebakan’s life journey.

Ceren Göğebakan, a painter who brings together two different poles of the art world, analytical thought and abstract emotion, was the guest of the 86th episode of the program “Sanatın Evrimi.” In the program prepared and hosted by Günsu Saraçoğlu, Göğebakan talked about her interesting career journey from computer engineering to art, her artistic adventure that began with surrealism, and the new perspective reflected in her works after her near-death experience.

“I Recommend They Be Courageous”

In response to Günsu Saraçoğlu’s question, “Who is Ceren Göğebakan?” — Saraçoğlu introduced herself at the beginning of the program as “an abstract and surrealist, proficient in digital and traditional media, well-equipped young generation artist” — the artist answered with an inspiring story. Göğebakan, who was born in Mersin, stated that she moved to Izmir for university education and to Istanbul for her professional life. She emphasized that after studying Computer Engineering at Ege University and Communication at Istanbul Bilgi University, her interest in art intersected with surrealism, influenced particularly by the work of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan. Stating that this process allowed her to build a bridge between emotion and logic, Göğebakan noted that versatility is not sufficiently supported in Turkey and gave the following advice to young artists:

“I recommend they be courageous. Even though versatility is sometimes undermined, it is actually the greatest richness. Trust that pure emotion that comes from within you and decide for yourself which tool to use to express it.”

Art with Technology, Emotion, and a Robot

Göğebakan, who also adds depth to her art practice with her identity as a computer engineer, explained her use of both digital and traditional media with the words: “These are all just tools. Expression and emotion are at the center.” In one of the most striking parts of the program, she detailed the ‘painting with a robot’ project she is carrying out with a friend. She explained that they are trying to teach a robot to paint, which is like teaching a child, and that they encounter deep philosophical questions such as who the resulting artwork belongs to and how to sign it.

The artist also made striking comments about the relationship between artificial intelligence and art, emphasizing that while AI works with data and algorithms, the fire at the core of true creativity and art is always the emotion unique to humans:

“Data can never surpass emotion. Feeling what that emotion makes you feel is not something an algorithm can do. No matter how much artificial intelligence develops, that first spark will always remain with us.”

“Woman Walking Towards the Sun” and Rebirth

Göğebakan, who returned from death’s door after a serious accident and health problems, sincerely shared the ‘mindset’ change this process created in her. She said that after a period where she lost herself, struggling with the expectations of galleries and sales, this trauma gave her the courage to return to her own essence. Stating that during this process, the image of ‘a woman walking towards the sun’ constantly passed before her eyes, the artist explained that this metaphor forms the basis of her new series. She expressed that in her works from this new period, which she summarizes as “I stand by my own light,” she deals with themes of timelessness and inner freedom.

Interdisciplinary Art and Future Predictions

Göğebakan stated that the future of art lies in hybrid works, and that purely digital or purely traditional works will not be sufficient on their own. She advised young artists to be smart and selective regarding technology costs, and that working in depth with a few visionary people is more valuable than crowded collaborations.