Eren, Cemil

Although Eren’s early works are figurative, from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s his imagery grew increasingly abstract. The color white dominates much of his non-figurative work, including Train Accident and Vision (G1975.290). After the 1970s, the “stains” in his compositions evolved into figures.

Eren took painting courses with Semsi Arel during his years at Kuleli Military High School in Konya, from which he graduated in 1945. The following year, he entered the Turkish Military Academy
in Ankara—where he met other artists in the city and continued his painting studies. In 1951, Eren resigned his commission as a lieutenant in the army in order to pursue a full-time career as an artist. In addition to painting, he has worked in ceramic, stained glass, textiles, and other media.