Students from Hacettepe University collaborate with French artists to paint a large-scale mural.
Hacettepe University's Faculty of Fine Arts partners with French artist duo Ella & Pitr to create an impressive 3,000-square-meter mural on the Beytepe Campus. The artist duo's internationally renowned "Sleeping Giants" series is now represented in Turkey with this open-air creation, the first of its kind in the country.
The work, titled "Sense of Curiosity," was completed collaboratively by 60 students from the faculty and depicts a child imagining exploration of other worlds. With its vibrant colors and thought-provoking narrative, the graffiti piece brings street art to the heart of the university.
"Engaging in such collaborations provides invaluable lessons for our students," said Professor Nadire Şule Atılgan, the dean of Hacettepe University's Faculty of Fine Arts. She explained that learning from international artists broadens students' experiences and enriches their understanding of different artistic perspectives.
The mural tells the story of a child studying outer space and patiently waiting for something extraordinary. According to Atılgan, the child symbolizes the courage to look beyond Earth, while the invisible figure behind represents protection and encouragement.
Despite receiving positive acclaim, the mural's location in a car-exposed parking lot faced criticism. Atılgan, however, perceived it as a unique opportunity for viewers to construct their own interpretations. She considers the mural not only as a testament to artistic ingenuity but also as a step towards building self-confidence and fostering storytelling skills in the students involved.
Collaborations like this highlight Hacettepe University's mission to contribute to Turkey's fine arts education by participating in public art projects and exhibitions. Additionally, such initiatives can inspire more universities to engage in similar projects, creating a vibrant cultural and artistic environment nationwide.
The project between Hacettepe University and Ella & Pitr not only demonstrates the power of international collaboration but also underscores the potential for innovative approaches in Turkish fine arts education. By embracing public art and international collaborations, institutions like Hacettepe University can redefine traditional teaching methods, enrich the learning experience for students, and facilitate cross-cultural understanding.
- The collaboration between Hacettepe University and Ella & Pitr, as demonstrated by the "Sense of Curiosity" mural, integrates technology into education-and-self-development by providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from international artists and explore various artistic perspectives.
- This street art mural, being a fusion of lifestyle and technology, may also serve as an educational tool by encouraging viewers to ponder the child's journey into outer space, thereby fostering their imagination and critical thinking skills.
