About me

 

Aykut Gurcaglar is a retired professor of art history, scholar, and watercolor artist whose creative journey spans multiple decades. After a distinguished academic career teaching at the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul, Turkey, he relocated to Canada, where he continues his artistic practice.

As an accomplished scholar and writer, Gurcaglar has authored numerous articles and three influential books focusing on 18th, 19th, and 20th-century art, with a particular emphasis on Orientalism and Turkish modernization in art. Today, he channels his deep academic understanding of history and visual culture into the expressive medium of watercolor painting, bridging the gap between art history and contemporary practice.

Artist Statement

"My artistic practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of urban landscapes. I view each city not just as a physical space, but as a living entity possessing its own unique architecture, daily rhythms, and distinct atmosphere.

Moving beyond academia, I use the vibrant, fluid medium of watercolor to capture the overlooked histories and hidden energies embedded within city environments. My inspiration is drawn directly from the dynamics of daily life—the streets, storefronts, and roads of the cities I inhabit and visit. Through my work, I aim to explore the intersection of urban life, history, and personal experience, creating pieces that invite viewers to reflect on the spaces we inhabit and the stories they keep."