Serving as the Ambassador of Türkiye to Jakarta was not only a diplomatic journey for me, but also a deeply transformative artistic experience. Indonesia entered my life quietly, yet profoundly, and left an enduring mark on my art.
From the very beginning, I was amazed by the Indonesian people’s deep love for art and design. Art there is not confined to galleries or museums; it lives in the streets, in homes, in clothing, and in daily rituals. Creativity is not treated as something distant or elite—it is woven naturally into everyday life.
One of the most powerful influences on my artistic vision was batik. Batik is not merely a textile; it is a language of patterns, history, and emotion. Each motif carries meaning, memory, and identity. Watching artisans work with such patience and devotion reminded me that art is also about time, tradition, and respect for heritage.
Every city I visited revealed its own unique cultural rhythm. Indonesia is not a single story, but a rich collection of voices, colors, and symbols. From Java to Bali and beyond, each region offered a different visual vocabulary—distinct yet harmoniously connected.
Nature, too, played a vital role in shaping my artistic sensibility. The lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and ever-present dialogue between land and sea were constant sources of inspiration. The colors felt more alive, the forms more organic, and the connection between humanity and nature more visible.
After returning from Indonesia, my life took an unexpected turn. Due to health issues, I retired from my diplomatic career. Today, I live in Geneva because of my husband’s work at WIPO. This change marked the beginning of a new chapter—one in which art became not only an expression, but also a form of healing and rediscovery.
I now define myself as an emerging artist. Each time I take my brush in my hand, I feel transported back to Indonesia. The memories resurface through colors, patterns, and gestures. Indonesia lives on in my work—not as a place of the past, but as a living presence that continues to guide my creative spirit.
Indonesia did not just inspire my art; it transformed my life and gave me a new way of seeing, creating, and being.
