Analyses of expression in the figurative art of Mustafa Özel

This study carried out an analysis of expression in the figurative art of Mustafa Özel, a prominent Turkish artist best known for his undertaking of figurative expression, based on the artist's general understanding of his art. A plastic analysis and evaluation of foundation is conducted for the artwork of the artist, who attempts to display the psychological state being reflected in the human body as a result of interaction between life and the human, to bring forth knowledge about the anxieties of the artist and the meanings which are instilled in his artwork. In this context, the study was conducted with methods of qualitative research. Interviews, observations, written document analysis, literature search and work review were done with the qualitative research model. About Mustafa Özel, in addition to biographical research and an investigation of his general understanding of art; his artwork, based on capturing the human body, was reviewed in terms of the function and sentiment. Mustafa Özel, who is among the important artists in contemporary Turkish art, reflects the human form on the canvas in a realistic approach with mastery. By using the human body as the form for his artwork, Özel has a unique style of figurative expression in his artwork by means of function and sentiment. He transfers the mental and psychological state to the figures when portraying the human form. The artwork greets the audience with a reflection of emotional mental states, new forms and expression for the human form, which is affected by the interaction of life and the person. The inner world, psychology and inwardly looking mental states of the figures take form with their complexion, facial expressions and movements. Even when the nude body form is at the forefront, the body is not represented in fantasy or passion as with other artists, but more so to reflect the joys, pains, vulnerabilities and the 'scars' of resistance and struggle against life. The figures in Özel's artwork display sentimental processes, not only on the canvas surface but also in places much deeper. The figures encompass absolute life experience and memories and marks of the self. They are typically a display of body forms which attempt to outwardly express the inner tensions experienced in life. The figures and portraits transpose the emotional depths of the moment captured, reflecting the reality of the human condition. When the artist is creating his art, he attempts to bring forth the psychological weariness, together with the fragility and sensitive nature of the skin of the subject.