Burhan Doğançay - Painter

Burhan Dogançay was born in Istanbul in 1929. His early artistic training was provided by his father, who was also an artist, as well as the well known painter Arif Kaptan. In the early 1950ies, he went to Paris to study art at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière while simultaneously pursuing his studies at the University of Paris in law and economics, which culminated in a doctorate degree. During this period he continued to paint regularly and to show his works in several group exhibitions.

Burhan Dogançay is primarily known for a body of work that grew out of his fascination with urban walls. Spanning a period of over 40 years, this preoccupation was inspired by his travels to over 100 countries and has been consistently translated into his paintings, graphics, Aubusson tapestries, sculptures and photographs. Urban walls have a special meaning for Dogançay: they serve as a testament to the passage of time, reflecting social, political and economic change. They also bear witness to the assault of the elements and to the markings left by people. This, according to Dogançay, is what makes urban walls monuments to the human experience.

He is the recipient of numerous awards and his work has been exhibited worldwide (incl. Georges Pompidou Center, St. Russian Museum, Seibu Museum-Yurakucho Art Forum) and can be found in the collections of the world's most prominent museums (MoMA, Metropolitan Museum, Guggenheim Museum, National Gallery etc.)

In 2004 Dogancay Museum (Turkey's first contemporary art museum) was opened in Istanbul. Located in the heart of Beyoglu, it is exclusively houses his works and that of his father.

Books about Burhan Doğançay and his art can be obtained through amazon.com.

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• Doğançay Museum

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