early life and struggles
fikret muallâ saygı, a 20th-century avant-garde painter of turkish descent, was born on july 20, 1903, in kadıköy, istanbul, ottoman empire. his life was marked by an early accident at the age of 12, which left him crippled in his right foot, and the loss of his mother to a flu epidemic shortly thereafter. these events significantly impacted his mental health and personality.
artistic journey
muallâ saygı's artistic journey began with influences from expressionism and fauvism, focusing on paris street life, social gatherings, and themes like cafés and circuses. his work is characterized by its emotional depth and subjective interpretation, reflecting his own struggles with mental illness and emotional turmoil.
- paris, sacré-cœur (35 x 28 cm, oil on board, sakıp sabancı museum, istanbul, türkiye), exemplifies his fascination with the city's life.
- his piece cannes (37 x 50 cm, oil on canvas, sakıp sabancı museum, istanbul, türkiye) showcases his ability to capture the essence of social gatherings.
- bistro (38 x 46 cm, mixed technique, sakıp sabancı museum, istanbul, türkiye), further demonstrates his skill in portraying urban life with a unique perspective.
challenges and patronage
muallâ saygı's life was marred by alcohol dependency, mental alienation, and cognitive dissonance. however, he found solace in his art and the support of patrons like madame angles, which enabled him to earn a living from his work.
legacy and notable mentions
- he became friends with renowned artists, including pablo picasso, and even sold a signed photo of picasso for a bottle of wine.
- his second exhibition marked the beginning of his recognition as a painter, despite his notorious reputation as a drunkard and mad man.
- eventually, muallâ saygı's health declined, leading to paralysis in 1962 and his passing on july 20, 1967, in reillanne, france.
remembering fikret muallâ saygı
muallâ saygı is considered one of the representatives of turkish arts in the 20th century, alongside
abidin dino. his legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, with his work being a testament to the power of artistic expression in the face of adversity.
his turbulent life serves as a reminder that art can be both a reflection and a refuge.
