The Concept of Modernism and the Birth of Modernist Art in Turkey

Known for his theoretical and literary contributions to Turkish art history, Ali Artun’s new book “The Concept of Modernism and the Birth of Modernist Art in Turkey” focuses on the development process of Modernism in Turkey. Artun places the Modernist narrative, which has heavily influenced various art groups and artists since the early periods of the Turkish Republic, on a theoretical ground in his new work. Focusing on the story of Modernism in Turkish art within the scope of artists who were sent to Paris with state scholarships, D group artists, and Çallı generation, Artun’s book features the ruptures, conflicts, and changes experienced in the history of Turkish culture. Artun examines the reflections of Postcolonial theory in Turkey in scope of Modernism while dealing with the projections of Impressionism, Symbolism, Surrealism, and Dada movements within the country. Exploring the effects of names such as Nejad Devrim, Selim Turan, Kemal Bastuji, Albert Bitran, Tiraje, Mübin Orhon, Hakkı Anlı, and Yüksek Arslan on the Turkish painting, Artun gives wide coverage to important exhibitions opened in Turkey. Ali Artun’s new book “The Concept of Modernism and the Birth of Modernist Art in Turkey” published by İletişim Yayınları in 2021 can be bought from all bookstores and online platforms.