Views of art education department students and academicians on the samples of the International İzmir Wall Paintings Workshop

In this research, the opinions of art education department students and academicians residing in the city were taken regarding the selected application examples from the International İzmir Mural Paintings Workshop held in 2018 and 2019. Depending on the problem situation, the opinions were analyzed in 4 sub-dimensions: the effects of murals on human and society, the effect on urban aesthetics, artistic value and the effect on art education. Qualitative research method was used in the study and it is a case study design. Purposeful person sampling was made consisting of art educator experts who recognize the paintings and students who are receiving art education. Accordingly, 6 academicians and 61 students answered the interview questions. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and remote written interviews. In the light of the research findings, the experts interpreted the impact of murals on people and society as creating aesthetic awareness, while the students pointed to cultural incompatibility. Both groups emphasised the tourism potential of public murals. According to the criterion of urban aesthetics, the dominant opinion is that murals add dynamism to the city by enlivening grey concrete walls and excite viewers with the surprise effect on blind walls, but it is emphasised that the paintings are not compatible with each other. While it was emphasised that the murals were created using a language specific to street art, it was stated that the illustrative and ornamental elements weakened the artistic value. Students commented that the murals have artistic value in terms of colour choice and texture. It was noted by experts and students that murals have the potential to create aesthetic awareness and increase cultural awareness in terms of art education. It is noteworthy that students expressed their appreciation with emotional expressions such as finding peace, hope and well-being. Supporting the murals with various activities to serve formal and non-formal education was one of the suggestions. As a result, while the existing murals were generally appreciated, they were seen as part of an unfinished project. Constructive and complementary suggestions were made to local authorities, educational institutions, artists, city residents and relevant ministries.