Cultural images in Nuri Iyem's works in the context of locality

Culture covers many different signs that reflect the characteristic features of societies. These signs reflect the traditions, lifestyles, eating habits, clothing styles, etc. of the society they belong to reveals many aspects. For artists, cultural values are important for the works of art they create. Considering Turkish painting specifically, it can be said that artists use cultural images extensively in their works. As it is known, Turkish painting has changed over time in terms of form, technique and method. It can be stated that one of the most important reasons for this change is that it is influenced by the characteristics of western art. This effect can be seen in works produced intensively since the beginning of the 20th century. In Turkish painting, the 1940s were the years when new trends emerged effectively for artists. The works created by artists who tried to bring a new understanding or perspective to the art of painting created under Western influence, using cultural images with a social realistic understanding, started an important process for Turkish painting art. The life of the Anatolian people, local motifs, the effects of the sociocultural situations of the period on society, etc. Artists who produce works on these subjects have reconstructed Turkish painting with cultural images. In this process, the cultural images in Nuri İyem's works attract attention. The artist, who deals with local subjects in his works, has discussed the life of Anatolian people in a socially realistic context with his unique artistic style. In this research, Nuri İyem's works that reflect cultural images were examined. The visuals used in the works examined are important in terms of revealing the sociocultural structure of the period.