Linear approaches in contemporary Turkish painting art after 1950

Line painting is a type of painting in which the line is at the forefront among its basic visual elements and the expression is realized entirely with lines. In the historical process, line has come to the fore as a universal form of expression. It has made it possible to convey meaning without the need for any verbal or written means of expression. In the process from the cave walls to the present day, the line has continued its existence in every period of the art of painting. It has been used in different art movements, sometimes as the determining element of the composition and sometimes as the determining element of the design process. The tendency towards the Western approach in Turkish painting and the developments in the Western art world have also influenced contemporary Turkish art. Especially since the beginning of the 20th century, these influences have been reflected in the works of Turkish painters. The interpretations of linear expression in the works of Turkish artists have revealed significant differences. In the pre-1950 period, artists resorted to the line both within group movements and in line with various art movements. However, after the end of the Second World War in 1945 and the Republic of Turkey's prioritization of the economy in line with the world conjuncture, artists turned towards individual expression, especially after 1950. In this process, artists included line in their works in line with their unique styles, sometimes as a primary element in surface planning and the formation of forms, and sometimes as an auxiliary element that supports color and stain and undertakes various functions. The first part of the study examines the concept, function, types, and psychological effects of line in painting. It also touches on the reflections of line in Western and Turkish painting before 1950. The second part examines linear approaches in contemporary Turkish painting after 1950. Within this scope, the function of line and its use in design and composition are analyzed through examples of works by artists selected for the study, including Zeki Faik İzer, Sabri Berkel, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, Ferruh Başağa, Adnan Turani, Devrim Erbil, Rauf Tuncer, Ahmet Oran, İbrahim Çoban, and Ahmet Dalkıran. In addition, ten examples of works selected from the applied works produced within the scope of the research subject were examined, and the function of the line and its use in design and composition were evaluated. The research is based on the general survey model and qualitative research methods and techniques were utilized. Keywords: Line, Line in Contemporary Turkish Painting, Conception, Composition.