My First Solo Show - Ayvalık Paysage

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Ammi01

This Summer in the Ayvalık heat I had my first solo exhibition. The series displayed were inspired by my regular visits to the Ayvalık coastline covered with maquis plants mostly consisting of wild Cistus, Lavandin, Erica, and Helichrysum. Against the serene Aegean Sea with small islands scattered around and the epic Kaz Mountains of Homer in the background, together they all feel like a calming and soothing feast for the soul.

When looked at closely you will notice in the paintings wild carrot (Daucus carota),, wild onion weed, also known as Asphodel (Asphodelus aestivus) both with medicinal properties, which are only cherished and used by the local villagers these days. They along with wild oats stand tall and elegant against the maquis backdrop.

The unique feature of the series is that it is painted solely with natural mineral pigments such as semi- precious stones: Malachite, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise and natural earth. The visitors though they did not know this when viewing the works all commented on the beauty and the quality of colors. They look mat yet have a velvety feeling. These pigments truly have a healing effect; they feel and look very different than commercial, chemical based paints. And one notices this effect even without knowing.

This ongoing and evolving series is an ode to the aromatic, medicinal plants of the Mediterranean depicted and adorned with pigments derived from semi-precious stones.