Whilst trundling through the intimate alleys and lanes of old Istanbul I overheard someone talking about a local artist that was blind, his name was Esref Armagan. Famous in Turkey for exhibitions and TV appearances the story of a blind artist piqued my interest.
“Feeling around with my fingers has completely erased my blindness. It’s as if I see like anyone else.” Armagan
Armagan was born blind, and yet, he has forged a career in the art world with several collectors looking for Esref Armagan works for sale.
His incredible skill has captivated audiences around the world, and his story is nothing short of inspiring.
A Life Without Sight
Esref Armagan was born in 1953 in Istanbul, Turkey. From birth, Esref was completely blind due to a genetic condition that runs in his family. Despite his disability, Esref was determined to lead a productive life and was encouraged by his family to develop his other senses to the fullest.
As a child, Esref had a keen interest in music and started playing the bağlama, a traditional Turkish instrument, at a very young age. However, it wasn’t until his late teens that he discovered his true passion for art. Esref had always loved to draw, but it wasn’t until a friend taught him how to use a brush and paint that he realized the true potential of his artistic talents.
Despite his blindness, Esref was able to create stunningly beautiful works of art using his sense of touch and a highly developed sense of spatial awareness. His technique involves applying layers of paint to the canvas and then using his fingers to feel the texture and shape of the painting, allowing him to add intricate details and depth. He is also able to sense color through the vibrations of the paint and has developed a unique vocabulary to describe different shades and hues.
Esref’s artistic talents were quickly recognized, and he was invited to exhibit his work in galleries across Turkey and the world. His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and has been collected by art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. He has also received many awards and accolades for his contributions to the arts.
In addition to his artistic talents, Esref has also written a book aimed at helping younger people deal with blindness.
He is an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and has used his art to promote greater understanding and awareness of the challenges faced by blind individuals.
A Remarkable Talent
Armagan’s talent for art was evident from an early age. He would draw pictures in the dirt with a stick, using his sense of touch to create intricate designs. Over time, he began to experiment with different mediums and techniques, and his art began to evolve.
Today, Armagan is a master of several different artistic styles, including calligraphy, painting, and sculpture. He has created stunning works of art that have been exhibited in galleries around the world. His pieces are incredibly detailed and intricate, featuring everything from landscapes to portraits to abstract designs.
Creating Art Without Sight
One of the most remarkable things about Armagan’s art is that he creates it entirely by touch. He uses his sense of touch to “see” the world around him, feeling his way around objects and using his fingers to explore their textures and shapes. Then, he translates what he feels onto paper or canvas, using a combination of memory and imagination to create stunning works of art.
Armagan’s art is not just impressive because of its beauty, but because of the incredible skill and perseverance that goes into creating it. He has overcome so many obstacles in his life, and yet he has managed to develop a talent that is truly exceptional.
Looking to the Future
Armağan’s story is one of inspiration and hope. He has proven that anything is possible with hard work and determination, and his art is a testament to the power of the human spirit.
As Armagan continues to create art, he is also working to inspire others. He has established a foundation to help blind children learn about art, and he hopes to inspire a new generation of artists who, like him, see the world in a different way.
Esref Armagan’s art is a testament to the incredible power of the human spirit. Despite being born without sight, he has managed to become one of the most talented and accomplished artists of our time. His story is one of perseverance, determination, and hope, and his art is a true reflection of his incredible spirit.
Find out about more art and artists from around Asia over here.
