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Bahar Erten

A  wound in the past

A wound in the past

Material: watercolours on paper
Size: 35 x 55 cm

When I was a child, we had a wood burning stove in our house. We would cook chestnuts on it next to an old coffee pot. We would pick up the chestnuts with our hands burning, put them on an old notebook, pick them out and eat them.
Bahar Erten is a still life and plein air painter based in The Hague, Netherlands, known for her vivid watercolors that capture the essence and beauty of the natural world. Her work explores still life themes through a vibrant palette and a fluid, expressive approach to form and color, reflecting her deep connection to nature. Bahar was born and raised in Izmir, Turkey, a city known for its stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage. Growing up in a family that valued creativity and the arts, she was surrounded by natural beauty, which inspired her from an early age. She spent much of her childhood outdoors, exploring the coastal landscapes, lush gardens, and vibrant markets of her hometown. These experiences nurtured a profound appreciation for the colors and forms found in nature, which later became central themes in her work. Her formal journey into art began at Dokuz Eylül University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Here, she immersed herself in various artistic disciplines, experimenting with different mediums and techniques. It was during this time that she discovered her love for watercolor—a medium she found both challenging and liberating due to its fluidity and unpredictability. Alongside her studies, Bahar worked as a graphic designer and made financial plans for art organizations, blending her artistic skills with practical experience in the creative industry. Driven by a desire to dedicate herself fully to her art, Bahar moved to the Netherlands, seeking new inspirations and opportunities. The dynamic and diverse landscapes of her new home rekindled her love for plein air painting and deepened her connection to the natural world. Now painting full-time, Bahar has developed a unique style that combines spontaneity with precision, capturing the ever-changing moods of nature with both vigor and delicacy. Bahar Erten’s journey is marked by her constant search for growth and self-expression, always pushing herself to explore new boundaries and uncover the beauty in the unexpected. Her works have been featured in numerous exhibitions in Turkey, such as her solo show in Izmir Turkiye Arya Kavali exhibition center in 2023, as well as various group exhibitions in IWS, Ayvalik Denizli Turkiye municipal art exhibition and Izmir Turkiye Karsiyaka municipal art exhibition. Her work has been on display at the culture and art exhibition hall in Izmir Turkey from 1993. In 1993, she received the first prize on World Environment Day, issued by Izmir Rotary Klub. Many of her works have been exhibited in galleries and museums, such as Ataturk Culture and in Izmir Belediye Exhibition hall, and are held in both public and private collections. Bahar Erten is also a member of the International Watercolor Society.

Website: baharerten.com

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