Ferruh Başağa, 1914-2010

Ferruh Başağa was educated at the Academy of Fine Arts from 1936 to1940 under the guidance of such important instructors as Nazmi Ziya Güran, who was a follower of Impressionism, French painter Leopold Levy and constructivist Zeki Kocamemi. It is possible to see the technical influence of all three masters on Başağa’s personal style. After graduating from the Academy, he joined the Society of Independent Painters and Sculptors and also the Newcomers Group (Yeniler Grubu). He started teaching at İstanbul State Academy of Fine Arts in 1971, where he became the founder of the stained glass and mosaic studios.

Ferruh Başağa describes his own work as “geometrical painting.” The linear lines that he constantly uses overflow the borders of the canvas creating a feeling of endless space, whilst at the same time intersecting and creating semi-translucent areas within the painting. Başağa skillfully depicts geometry and light, which are the main subjects of his painting. He also creates planes consisting of overlapping and transparent paint layers, and accentuates the edges of these planes with contrasting colors. The myriad crossing lines and delicately graded colour tones result in dynamic compositions. Dark points where the lines intersect create loops in the composition and direct the gaze on its journey over the canvas.

Başağa’s structural construction and use of light, draws inspiration from stained glasses, of which he is also a proponent. “Abstract” is an example of this inspiration.