Versatile artist Suat Arıkan at Almelek

ISTANBUL

Suat Arıkan pursues painting from an expressionist point of view, using bolder colors but simpler light. His exhibit opens today at Almelek Art Gallery.

Istanbul’s Almelek Art Gallery is welcoming the seventh solo exhibition by Suat Arıkan, an artist for both his musical and painting ability.

A graduate of the Ankara State Music Conservatory in Ankara with high honors with a degree in voice and opera, baritone and painter Arıkan studied voice with Cemil Sökmen at the Ankara State Conservatory of Music and began his career as a soloist at the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.

Arıkan also pursues painting from an expressionist point of view. In so doing, he uses bolder colors but simpler light. In his new exhibition, which displays his recent paintings, the lyricism of music is heard better.

He studied voice with legendary Turkish soprano Leyla Gencer, as well as Dan Iordacescu, Daniel Ferro and Licinio Montefusco. Arıkan has sung a wide repertoire of both concert music and opera from the 17th century to contemporary music both in Turkey and abroad.

In 2002-2003 season, the artist worked as the director and art director of the Mersin State Opera and Ballet. He continued the same duty at the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet.

Serving as a jury member in various competitions and winning awards, Arıkan was presented with the Order of Chivalry by Italy’s president in 2006 due to his contributions to art.

Arıkan has also written various articles for opera magazines and newspapers and presented various radio programs.

Following Istanbul University and Mİmar Sinan University, Arıkan has continued to serve the education sector at the Haliç University State Conservatory in Istanbul.

The exhibition at the Almelek Art Gallery will continue through March 14.