Autoportrait
There are almost always artists that touch a deeper cord in us and to me Sabri Berkel (1907-1993) is one of them. Berker who studied painting in Florence through classical principles and analytic methods was the first painter to carry an abstract experiment in Turkish art. To me, his abstract paintings are the most beautiful examples of abstract painting in Turkish art history. He was also a master of drawing and experimented with various printing techniques.
Great master in his studio in 1952 (from Salt Archives)
Berker had been an instructor at İstanbul Academy of Fine Arts and later the head of the Department with the mission of improving art from 1935 onwards. Art historian Selma Germaner humorously says that he was an artist that was focused solely on his work rather than ‘dealing’ with students and he did not want anyone in his studio where he experimented with painting continuously.
His art was private which he defended against the market forces and the media. His work between 1960-1980 is described as one of the best and most original in the world.
Before he passed away, he donated his work to The State Museums of Painting and Sculpture. When you visit the The State Museum of Painting and Sculpture in İstanbul, look out for Sabri Berkel.
İstanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum in Galataport
Here is some examples from the İstanbul Painting and Sculpture Museum.
Yogurt seller
Pure abstraction, 1963
Unfortunately, there is only one painting of Sabri Berkel in İstanbul Modern but make sure to see it when you visit İstanbul Modern which is also in Galataport.
Abstract Composition
Here are other examples from the great master which are in private collections.
In the NK Private Collection
A book about the great master was published by Yapı Kredi Publishing Company.
