Freedom Within
by Hande Neslisah Uzun
“I am a young artist from Turkey, where the really faced situation all around the violence against women and the femicides. These tragedies have engraved themselves in our society and have awaken in me a strength as an artist within my soul. From an artist’s point of view, I do understand as a form of creativity that has the mandate to cause change in ways that people has been doing things. This is my way to say I stand with and believe women who struggle for their liberation and protection on a daily basis. In this representation the wig that symbolizes freedom can be described as the fine line between freedom and bondage in this oil painting. The birdcage consequently represents societal structures and patriarchy especially in capturing refined elaborate features of the birdcage. Behind bars laying three peppy birds, poised in rhythm and trapped in a cage. Hence, the background color is as calm as more introspective thought yet plays with the juxtaposition of enclosures and the entire world outside. It was a reply to directions outlined in the project “How to let go”, exemplifying the determination when throwing the ropes off as well as the endeavor which is necessary to construct the world free from suppression of the majority by the minority. To me ‘letting go’ is synonymous with shedding inhibitions in the war against women, liberating women from structures that restrict them politically, and throwing off restraint to create a world characterized by liberty and power. This is my stand and my hope is that anyone who views the piece gets informed on the kind of injustice women endure in my country and the world over. The aim that I have set for myself is to create awareness, provoke people and raise voices for creation of awareness against gender violence. Since art is a language of its own it is my hope that this painting moves something inside the viewers to ponder on concerns of equity, strength and to join the battle for rights of women across the world.
Mediums used in this painting: Oil Paint, Pastels, Charcoal.”
My name is Hande Neslişah Uzun, and I am a young artist from Turkey. I was born in Tokat in 2009 and currently live in Samsun, Atakum. I study at Bahçeşehir High School for Science and Technology, where I continue to develop my artistic and academic passions. My work focuses on raising awareness about social issues, particularly women’s rights, freedom, and the fight against gender-based violence in my country. Through my art, I aim to inspire conversations and advocate for a world where equality and justice prevail.
