The arts and culture program “Rengârenk,” hosted by Zehra Aksoy, featured painter Zuhal Neccar, known as “Zuzu,” in this week’s episode. The artist, a graduate of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University’s Neşe Erdok Workshop, shared the profound and touching stories behind her works.
Origins of Themes: A Father’s Admiration and Childhood Memories
Zuhal Neccar explained that the main themes in her paintings—”shyness, timidity, and innocence”—originated from her father’s fondness for the “shy gaze” in one of her childhood photographs. The artist stated, “My father once said, ‘I really like this photo of you.’ That inspired me to explore this expression in my work.” This theme comes to life in her pieces through figures of curious, timid, and sometimes fearful children peeking out from behind their mother’s skirts, looking up with a hesitant yet inquisitive gaze.
A Turning Point in Art: George Floyd and Libyan Roots
The program delved into one of the most significant phases in Neccar’s art—her incorporation of Black figures. The artist revealed that the death of George Floyd in 2020 deeply affected her: “The police violence saddened and moved me greatly. I still can’t forget it.” Following this event, she began systematically including Black figures alongside white ones in her paintings, aiming to convey a universal message of peace and brotherhood against racism.
However, the roots of this theme trace back even further—to her childhood in Libya, where she lived for six years due to her father’s job. Neccar shared two unforgettable memories from that time:
- Mesude’s Scent: She never forgot the name of her Black classmate, Mesude Abdallah, who sat in front of her at an Arabic school. “Her skin had a unique scent—more beautiful, more distinct. Even perfume smelled more intense and lovely on her,” Neccar remarked, highlighting how scent memory influenced her art.
- A Statuesque Woman: At her friend’s house, she encountered a tall Somali woman whose beauty left a lasting impression. “When I first saw her lying on the bed, I thought there was a statue in the room,” she recalled, describing her awe.
These memories formed the foundation of her deep affinity for Black culture, which later manifested in her artistic sensitivity.
From Teaching to the Art Market: An Artist’s Struggle and Advice
Neccar, who spent 21 years as a painting teacher, also worked at schools for the hearing impaired, learning sign language to communicate with her students. Despite her teaching career, she continued creating art and has held 18 solo exhibitions to date. She highlighted the challenges of being an artist in Turkey: “After graduating, I felt like a fish out of water. There was no support or guidance.”
Drawing from her experience, she offered valuable advice to young artists: “Art is a passion. Fall, get hurt, but get back up. Keep going—don’t give up. To be original, you must work hard.” She also stressed the importance of learning the business side of art: “You must be able to market your own work to get your name out there. This doesn’t diminish art.”
Future Projects and Invitation to Art Lovers
Blending surrealism and pop art in her unique style, Zuzu shared her plans to explore mythological themes like “Noah’s Ark” and large-scale works based on audience requests. She concluded the program by inviting art enthusiasts to follow her Instagram account, “Zuzu Art 2024,” where she shares her works and creative process.
