Turkish art student wins US award for earthquake depiction, donates prize to victims

Sena Karatas Ozturk, a doctoral student at Florida State University, recently won the "Excellence in Visual Arts" award for her poignant oil painting "Devastation."

The painting vividly illustrates the aftermath of the Feb. 6, 2023, earthquake in Kahramanmaras, Türkiye.

The competition, featuring various categories, recognized Ozturk’s work as a standout submission.

Dean Mark Riley and Professor-Artist Carrie Ann Baade presented the award to Ozturk, who expressed her deep emotional connection to the earthquake’s devastation.

"On the second day after the earthquake, as I sat overwhelmed in front of the TV, I started drawing 'Devastation' out of an artist's sensitivity," Ozturk stated.

Her personal ties to Kahramanmaras, her husband's hometown, and her family's tragic losses influenced her artistic expression.

"The loss of our relatives, the destruction, and our country's deep sorrow pushed me to create this work," she explained.

In addition to her recognition, Ozturk donated her $500 prize to aid the earthquake victims. She emphasized the importance of her contribution: "I really wanted my work to benefit the earthquake victims. This year, I will send the $500, approximately 16,000 ₺, to help those affected."

Professor Samil Ocal, the Education Attache from the Ministry of National Education in New York, commended Ozturk's gesture.

"It's gratifying to see one of our scholarship students not only win this prestigious award for the second time but also choose to donate it, showcasing her national and humanitarian sensitivities," he commented.

Ozturk's previous win included artwork depicting the historic Fox Hill Tower in Connecticut, which was displayed in the university's honor collection for a year. A Marmara University Art Education graduate, she has been pursuing her advanced degrees in the U.S. on a Ministry of Education scholarship.

Source: Newsroom