Hasan Saygin was born in 1958 in Karamanli, a small village in Anatolia, Turkey. He spent his childhood there and completed his primary education in his native town. In 1977, he entered the School of Fine Arts in Istanbul, where he honed his skills.
Hasan Saygin at a glance
- Born: 1958, Karamanli, Anatolia, Turkey
- Nationality: Turkish
- Based in: France, since moving to Paris in 1982
- Training: School of Fine Arts, Istanbul (from 1977)
- Style: “Abstract realism”, inspired by Renaissance painters
- Medium: Oil, acrylic and pastel
- Known for: Nudes and still lifes
- Awards: Medaille de la Ville de Paris (1990); Gold Medal of Merit and French Dedication (2003)
In 1982, he moved to Paris and settled permanently, dedicating himself fully to painting. He has held numerous solo exhibitions in Parisian galleries, including Galerie 26 and Galerie Vendome, as well as in Belgium, Spain, and the United States. He has also participated in many group exhibitions and received numerous awards and medals.
He draws inspiration from Renaissance painters, particularly in his depictions of nudes and still lifes. At first glance, his paintings are highly realistic, as he seeks “perfection” in the depiction of his models and subjects. However, he also incorporates abstract elements that integrate his realism with modernity, creating a unique style known as “abstract realism”.
“At first glance, his paintings are very realistic and he looks for the ‘perfection’ in the minutes of its model or its subjects. But there are also some abstract elements that integrate its realism to the modernity.”
His work has been recognised with many awards, including the Médaille de la Ville de Paris in 1990 and the Gold Medal of Merit and French Dedication in 2003. In 1997, a book featuring his works was published by famous French art critics. He also works with pastels in addition to oil and acrylic.
He is one of the few Turkish painters known by important collectors in France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and the USA. He is married and has two children, and continues to work from his home near Paris. His still lifes are described as meditative pieces, created in the solitude of his Norman studio.
Q: What defines Hasan Saygin’s artistic style?
A: His unique blend of classical realism and modern abstraction, which he calls “abstract realism”. He draws inspiration from Renaissance painters, particularly in his nudes and still lifes, and seeks perfection in his subjects while incorporating abstract elements that bring a contemporary edge to his work.