The transformation of women images in twentieth-century Turkish art

The subject of woman and gender roles was an important research topic in twentieth century. During twentieth century the circumstances for women kept changing and transforming. A lot has happened then; in a relatively short period of time. It is possible to see the transformation through the images of women in art. To make their own statements, the artists have used the power of images in different ways. Woman image in art was capable of making an impact for change in the society and it also got affected from change itself. In this research, economic, social and political changes in the West, in Turkey and their correspondence with art were examined in terms of woman images in art. The different impacts of patriarchy and female artists were discussed. Following the birth of feminist art and women starting to display their own experiences, this image has changed. These images have been critical and an indicator of the need for change. The objective of this thesis is to witness the journey of change on how women are portrayed in Turkish art in this time period and show how artists use the power of imagery for change. By studying the transformation of woman images in Turkish art, the goal is to raise an awareness about the importance, construction and interpretation of representation.