“Good News to the Pessimists” is a debut solo exhibition that offers a fresh and optimistic perspective on life. Cenk Düzyol’s solo debut at Martch Art Project features 15 paintings created between 2023 and 2024. “I imagine that those who appreciate my compositions are at peace with themselves, love life, and remain concerned about the world’s issues, but instead of feeling helpless and depressed, they hold onto optimism and hope. I also hope my paintings evoke these emotions,” says the artist about his debut.
Düzyol, who has participated in group exhibitions in Istanbul and Shanghai and has had shortlisted artworks, presents his vision of modern naive art that is thought-provoking and sparks discussions.
Naive artists believe that storytelling should take precedence, even if it means ignoring formal rules. Each piece by Düzyol tells a story steeped in black humor, addressing the incompatibility of a person disconnected from nature with the modern world. While the story may contain tragic elements, the artist’s interpretation of naive art brings optimism to overcome this disconnect by wearing optimistic lenses.
Artist Giorgio de Chirico once said: “To become truly immortаl, a work of art muѕt escape all hυman limits…But once theѕe barriers аre broken, іt will enter the realms of childһood visions and dreams.” In the tradition of naive art, Cenk’s artwork engages the audience through vibrant colors, attention to detail, and unexpected touches. Like Henri Rousseau who uses staring eyes as an accent, Cenk creates characters who appear surprised by life’s challenges. Ultimately, this childlike innocence and enthusiastic openness transform reality into a light-hearted experience.
“At this point, I am a diehard optimist. I am more interested in positive transformation and solutions when faced with life’s challenges. I hope that when you see my artworks, this is a show that will tickle you!” says the artist.
From a Sunday painter during lockdown to a shortlisted artist
Cenk Düzyol’s journey as an artist began shortly before the COVID-19 lockdown. Working full-time in industrial production, he started painting with his five-year-old daughter. He set a personal challenge for himself to complete 25 canvases without any excuses, and by the time he reached the 15th or 16th painting, he knew he wanted to paint for the rest of his life.
His piece “Figurative Trouble” was selected among 12,000 other paintings and shortlisted at the annual Jackson’s Art Prize competition in the UK. This recognition encouraged Cenk to consider painting not just a hobby but a serious endeavor. Balancing a full-time job with being an artist has helped him succeed in both areas, he believes. Later, another work named “Two is Company” was selected as a finalist in this year’s competition.
