Mehmet Güleryüz, a prominent figure in Turkish painting, passed away at the age of 86 after receiving cancer treatment in Paris.
Güleryüz was born in Istanbul in 1938 and studied at the Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts, where he began his art career. In addition to his studies at the Academy, he received acting training in various actor studios and amateur theaters. In 1963, he embarked on his professional acting career at the Arena Theater under the direction of Asaf Çiğiltepe. During the same period, he created his first sculptures at the Pont des Arts in Paris while studying painting and lithography with a state scholarship he had obtained.
Güleryüz, who was influenced by leading names in contemporary art during his education in Paris, began developing his own understanding of art. He was accepted as one of the important representatives of modern art in Turkey and has been recognized for his art both at home and abroad since the 1980s.
Güleryüz primarily incorporated human figures in his artworks and explored societal issues, personal struggles, and social injustices through these figures. With a focus on figurative expression, he was an artist who had a significant connection with painting, sculpture, and theater. This connection greatly influenced his artistic methods and creative approach.
Mehmet Güleryüz has always been outspoken about his artistic and political views. In 1998, he filed a lawsuit to have the State Artist title, which was awarded to 89 individuals including Süleyman Demirel during his presidency, revoked. His lawsuit was successful, and he returned the title. Güleryüz cited his commitment to defending the freedom and independence of artists as the reason for his decision to return the title.
