ANKARA, Turkey – Street artist Ozan Kıran, a graduate of Hacettepe University’s Fine Arts Faculty Sculpture Department, is bringing a unique artistic touch to the streets of Ankara. Kıran collects broken and damaged pavement stones from various parts of the city, repairs them in his workshop, and then decorates them with intricate designs and emoji figures before returning them to their original locations.
Artist Aims to ‘Change the Grey City’ Narrative
Kıran’s initiative stems from a desire to fill the gaps in Ankara’s pavements, which are often broken due to vehicular traffic or simply missing. “I thought that as a sculpture graduate, I could only do this with art, and that’s how I evaluated it,” Kıran stated. “I got into the business of repairing and fixing them in my own way, thinking that I was providing a social benefit.”
His work is not intended as a protest, but rather to infuse small bursts of color and joy into the urban environment. “For example, my last work had a smile pattern,” Kıran explained. “I generally create my works thinking of a person walking with their head down. I also do it with the thought that ‘people can feel good by making eye contact with my work’. I’m changing this ‘grey city’ thing a little and adding small colors to the environment.”
From Workshop to Sidewalk: The Artistic Process
Kıran’s creative process begins with identifying broken pavement pieces, which he then brings to his workshop. The repair and decoration process takes approximately 3-4 days. He first designs the artistic concept for the material he will place inside the stone. Then, using hand drawings or computer-aided designs, he prepares the materials, places them in molds with the stone, and coats them with layers of epoxy.
“Since the epoxy material takes some time to dry, it takes an average of 3-4 days,” Kıran explained. He also utilizes 3D printers, CNC machines, and spray paint as needed. “I try to master many things – material, technique. Actually, none of them are areas where I am fully professional, but I try to produce beautiful things by researching and learning myself.”
Positive Public Reception and Future Aspirations
Kıran has received largely positive feedback from the public regarding his work. “Sometimes there are those who criticize, but when I look at the general situation, there have been positive reactions from my surroundings,” he noted. “Because it is perceived as a public service, this is what people like. There are those who argue that it is better than its old state; however, there are also those who argue that it is bad.”
He also encounters people who want to meet him while he is installing his artwork. Kıran views his creations as a form of sculpture, even though they become two-dimensional when placed on the ground, often incorporating three-dimensional elements within them.
Looking ahead, Kıran has several ideas and projects for public services that are currently in the development stage. He is inspired by the prevalence of street art in Europe, where municipalities often collaborate with artists to beautify urban spaces. “We can change the grey or produce new works together,” he said, expressing a desire to expand his work beyond Turkey and implement his philosophy of repairing anything that is damaged, worldwide.
Kıran has already brought his colorful interventions to numerous streets in Bahçelievler, one of Ankara’s most popular neighborhoods. He hopes to collaborate with municipalities to reach more streets in Ankara, a city often referred to as the ‘grey city’, and further spread his art.
Source: https://www.dha.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/ankara-gri-sehri-sanatiyla-renklendiriyor-2835853
