Painter of the Light: Nazmi Ziya Güran

As one of the painters of “1914 Generation”, Nazmi Ziya Güran was a part, observer, witness and painter of Istanbul, all the time during its occupation or when the enthusiasm of the new Republic was the most intensive at his parental home in Horhor district in Aksaray, in Çamlıca, Süleymaniye or in his large windowed studio, in Bosphorus, Golden Horn, Üsküdar, on seaside, city hills, the streets and countryside.

While sliding his brush through gardens and parks, trees, orchards, countrysides, streets and quarters, villas and mansions, seasides and docks of this beautiful city; he described Istanbul’s sea, boats, mosques and churches, mausoleums, coffee-houses, fountains and the passing lives of people in Istanbul in this natural and urban environment.

One of the first impressionist painters of Turkey, Nazmi Ziya Güran was influenced in his works which are shining with light and joy by the thousand gleams of sun, and reflected them on canvas with the same reality. The peace and happiness that we feel at the artist’s brushstrokes which he throws as he would flirt with light tell us the adventure of Nazmi Ziya Güran after light.