Sabri Berkel

Sabri Berkel (1907 – 1993)

Berkel was one of the masters who played a significant role in modernising and introducing Turkish art to an international audience. He learned to paint in Florence. Classical principles and analytical and rational methods dominate his works.

The enthusiasm, depth and unexpected innovatory content of his works are linked to Berkel’s eternal energy and perfectionism.

It was Berker who carried out the first abstract experiment of Turkish art and produced the most beautiful examples of abstract drawing, which was always related to the basic elements of life. In Between 1933-1977 he worked at the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts as an instructor, eventually becoming head of department. He was authorized to act as an inspector for various Turkish international exhibitions and biennials, and also held exhibitions in abroad.

According to Berker, his art was always private and he defended it from market forces and the media. He took upon himself the responsibility for improving Turkish art from 1935, in an idealistic manner, moving back to Türkiye to his old age. Besides painting he was a master of drawing too, and simultaneously employed various printing techniques. Berker’s work in between 1960-1980 could be described as some of the best and most original in the world. He donated his work to The State Museums of Painting and Sculpture in Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir.