Murat Önen
Artwork’s Title: The Man in a T-Shirt (After David Park), 2019
Materials Used: Oil on Canvas
Studio Based: Düsseldorf, Germany
Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
I used to collect a lot of photos of certain situations or motives to use them in my paintings. After a while, I realized that this method was wrong for me, because it restricted me a lot. Painting can do much more than that! after that i started to focus more on my own experiences or thoughts than the photos I found. That opened me several doors. At the moment I try to experiment a lot with light and try to represent certain moments with the help of correct color combinations. I usually start with pastel sketches before going to the canvas.
How would you define your work in a few words (ideally in 3 words)?
Sentimental, transparent, warm.
How did you come up with this painting idea? Is there any story behind this painting?
This one is actually my first kinda re-work. I saw a painting of David Park and was quite
impressed. I have decided to paint my own version of it and of course honor the artist. The painting has the same title and a very similar composition. But the color palette and shapes have changed a lot. I have been thinking of a guy who sits alone in the club early in the morning and may be too tired to go home alone.
What colour is used the most in this painting?
Definitely transparent yellow.
What would be the best way to exhibit your work?
I actually still try to find that out. Sometime I have that feeling that Ι definitely need more than just a white cube.
Can you mention any artists you, lately or generally, take inspiration from?
In earlier times I was quite impressed by Francis Bacon, David Hockney, George Condo, and Wolfgang Tillmans. They will always be very important to me. Currently I find Jordan Kasey, Xinyi Cheng, Derek Paul Jack Boyle very exciting.
How do you know when this painting was finished?
Often it is still too hard for me to stop painting at the right time. I am working on it.
What about the place where you work? What’s your studio space look like?
I am actually working in the Art Academy. I just start to studying again. I wish I could have more space.
Is there any particular message that you wish your viewers can take from this painting?
No there is not. I just want to show the way how I feel.
What does your mum think about your art?
I actually don’t know. She lives in Istanbul so we don’t have so much opportunities to talk about painting.
Which exhibition did you visit last?
Tala Madani, Shit Moms in secession.
Which are your plans for the near future?
I have two current exhibitions in Berlin and Dresden, the one in Dresden is solo. I will now focus on my next paintings. This month I’ll participate in a group show in Vienna and for next year there will be a project in Berlin. I also work as a DJ and have some exciting gigs coming up. DJing is my second passion and I get a lot of inspiration for my paintings from the club context.
Additional Paintings
© All images are courtesy of the artist