Marcel Reich-Ranicki Painting

I was born in the end 1970s in Anatolia, Turkey, and grew up in a culturally rich family with Kurdish, Armenian, and Turkish roots. My father is Kurdish, while my mother has Armenian-Turkish heritage. From a young age, I discovered my passion for art, which captivated me. The endless possibilities of creative expression fascinated me, and I was impressed by the power of art to communicate ideas and emotions. In the early 1980s, my family emigrated to Germany due to the political unrest in Turkey. The streets I wandered were marked by political slogans, which not only sharpened my political awareness but also significantly influenced my artistic development. Street art became a central form of expression in my life. By the end of the 1980s, I was fortunate to have the renowned artist Avni Koyun as my mentor. He taught me until the mid-1990s. His guidance left a lasting impact on me, and I became a sought-after designer, receiving my first commissions in the music industry. This allowed me to support myself alongside my schooling. During my school years in Frankfurt am Main, I encountered hip-hop culture, heavily influenced by the children of stationed U.S. soldiers. These experiences broadened my artistic horizons and provided me with a platform to express my identity and experiences as a migrant in Germany. The experiences of racism I faced left deep marks and inspired me to confront these challenges through my art. My work addresses discrimination and social justice, reflecting my personal journey.