Drawings | Turgut Kocaman

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A black-and-white pencil drawing depicting a solitary figure with angel-like wings, symbolizing both vulnerability and resilience. The figure, shown in motion, seems to embody the struggle of displacement and the journey of immigration. With one hand covering the face in a gesture of sorrow or introspection, the figure appears burdened yet determined, as if carrying the weight of leaving one's homeland and searching for belonging elsewhere. The wings, often symbols of freedom or spirituality, here suggest both hope and the heavy expectations placed upon those who migrate. The textured clothing and shadowed details evoke a sense of weariness and endurance, capturing the emotional depth of an immigrant’s journey.

HeimatLost

Pencil on paper 42 x 60 cm/2021

A highly detailed, surreal black-and-white pencil drawing featuring an amalgamation of human figures and abstract forms, intertwined and layered within a large, head-like structure. The main figure, with a serene yet introspective expression, appears as if it’s sculpted into the side of a larger form, symbolizing an individual's struggle for identity amid external pressures. Surrounding this central face are other fragmented human forms, some emerging from or blending into the surrounding textures, representing the complex and multifaceted experience of conformity, identity, and obedience. The densely interwoven shapes and figures suggest the weight of societal expectations and the inner turmoil of maintaining individuality while navigating external demands, perhaps a commentary on the immigrant experience of adapting to a new culture while retaining personal identity. The artwork’s intricate textures and shading evoke a sense of depth and emotional intensity.

Obey

Pencil on paper 42 x 60 cm/ 2022

A surreal pencil drawing depicting intertwined faces and forms, each morphing into the next in a seamless, dreamlike flow. The central figure gazes downward, surrounded by fragmented faces and animalistic shapes, symbolizing the beauty and complexity of diversity. Each face and form represents a unique identity, coexisting yet isolated, capturing the feeling of life in a big city, where we often live in our own desert, surrounded but alone. The intricate lines and textures reflect the paradox of urban diversity—so many lives intersecting yet separated—celebrating the richness that comes from embracing varied backgrounds and identities within this modern solitude.

Su-Fu

Pencil on paper 60 x 84 cm/ 2022

A surreal pencil drawing depicting a chaotic scene of intertwined figures, each with distorted, abstract forms. The figures appear to struggle and pull against each other, limbs extended and bodies twisted, suggesting themes of consumption, competition, and entrapment. Each character, unique in its features yet connected to the others, portrays the relentless push and pull of urban life. In the context of a big city, these figures seem to represent individuals consumed by the race for success and survival, each one isolated yet entangled in the same struggle. The intricate lines and details evoke a sense of confinement and tension, as if in a concrete jungle where people coexist but remain trapped within their own pursuits.

Connected

Pencil on paper 60 x 84 cm/2024

A surreal pencil drawing of a figure curled in on itself, cradling its own form in a protective, almost fetal position. The figure’s head is adorned with multiple faces, layered and intertwined, each with its own unique expression, suggesting a complex inner world. The piece evokes the idea of nurturing oneself or carrying the weight of multiple identities and histories. This figure, reminiscent of a motherly presence, seems to embody the act of holding together diverse aspects of self or experiences, symbolizing resilience and the intimate burden of protecting one’s inner life in a vast, indifferent world. The textured shading emphasizes the depth and intricacy of the figure's inner landscape, capturing a story of solitude, strength, and self-care.

Mother

Pencil on paper 60 x 84 cm/2023

A surreal pencil drawing inspired by a dream, depicting a towering figure reminiscent of an ancient goddess, blending Egyptian symbolism with the enigmatic presence of the goat deity, Pan. The structure rises like a sacred pyramid, its base solid and grounded, while the upper forms twist and reach skyward. Human faces emerge from within the figure, flanked by organic, root-like textures that suggest deep, ancestral roots. Large, hollow ovals near the top resemble the watchful eyes of a deity, merging with the mystical essence of both Egyptian gods and nature spirits. This dreamlike fusion evokes a powerful, timeless being—a guardian of ancient wisdom and wild, untamed nature.

The Goat In The Pyramid

Pencil on paper 42 x 60 cm/ 2021

A pencil drawing portraying the poignant struggle of modern single parenthood. A weary, determined figure holds a small, fragile child tightly, embodying both love and exhaustion. The parent's gaze is distant, hinting at the weight of juggling roles—caught between nurturing their child and navigating the relentless demands of modern life. The smaller figure clings to the parent, conveying a deep need for closeness and security. The textured, almost oppressive background suggests the pressures of society, where both parent and child are left feeling drained, vulnerable, and impacted by a world that doesn’t allow them space to fully thrive. This piece powerfully captures the isolation, resilience, and quiet suffering of single parents and their children within today’s fast-paced society.

Shrinkage

Pencil on paper 42 x 60 cm/2021

A surreal pencil drawing depicting the complex relationship between two individuals, whose faces and bodies merge and intertwine, suggesting a deep, entangled connection. Each face reflects a distinct emotion, hinting at the layered dynamics and unspoken feelings between them. Surrounding their combined form are fragmented, distant figures, representing the network of friendships and outside influences that weave into their relationship. This intricate composition captures the way personal bonds are shaped and sometimes strained by the social web around them, exploring the delicate balance of intimacy, identity, and the impact of external connections.

Disorder

Pencil on paper 29,7 X 42 cm/2023

A surreal pencil drawing that captures a deeply introspective and tranquil moment, featuring intertwined human and animalistic forms. At the center, a calm face gazes forward, its features blending seamlessly with the surrounding organic textures, as if becoming one with nature itself. Nearby, an intense eye and other abstract shapes suggest an animal presence, hinting at themes of coexistence and the quiet, primal energy shared between human and animal spirits. The hands and feet anchor the piece, symbolizing grounding and connection, while the surrounding lines and shapes flow in harmonious waves, evoking a sense of peace amidst complexity. This artwork explores the balance between inner tranquility and the untamed forces within and around us, reflecting a serene unity with the natural and spiritual worlds.

Tranquility

Pencil on paper 29,7 x 42 cm/ 2023

A surreal pencil drawing depicting a figure transformed under the powerful influence of a full moon. The contorted form, merging human and animal features, reflects the intense effects of change and transformation. Dark, organic shapes surround the figure, suggesting a primal connection to nature and the moon’s mystical pull. This artwork captures the haunting, transformative power of the full moon.

Moonlight

Pencil on paper 84 x 60 cm/2023

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