Lecturer Ekrem Coşkun from the Department of Ceramics at Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture was deeply affected by the wars taking place in various parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East. As a result, he began reflecting this reality in his works about ten years ago. Over time, Coşkun’s works have evolved into architectural forms that convey the devastation left behind by war and the profound psychological impact it has on people. One of his notable pieces depicts a Palestinian girl's birthday cake. Through this artwork, Coşkun tells the story of the destruction and civilian massacres in Gaza. "We seek beauty, but in reality, we are losing it." Aiming to raise awareness through his art, Coşkun told an Anadolu Agency reporter that everyone should respond to injustice in their own way, using the tools and means available in their field. Emphasizing that standing against oppression and massacres is a duty of humanity, Coşkun said: "There is an unending war in the world. I wanted to express my reaction through my field, because we are witnessing mass killings. I thought, 'We shouldn't remain silent here.' So I focused on architectural remnants, and the beauty destroyed by war. In the end, we search for beauty, but in reality, we are losing it. When we try to engage with aesthetics, we are confronted not with beauty, but with brutality, destruction, genocide, and massacres." Coşkun added that he also aims to prevent people from becoming desensitized to what is happening. He has created 16 works on the subject so far and intends to continue producing them in hopes that future generations will learn lessons and remember. He also mentioned that it's motivating to observe the emotional impact his works have on viewers: "Once a piece is complete, you shrink and wander inside it. To sincerely convey your message, you need to live it. Once the artwork meets the viewer, you step aside — it's now the viewer who wanders through it. I'm receiving the kind of responses I hoped for. It's a good feeling when people connect emotionally with what I felt — it makes me think I'm moving in the right direction. Right now, we are witnessing extreme brutality. On the news, we clearly see children being massacred, and the cries of mothers and fathers." Coşkun also shares his works on social media, has participated in both national and international exhibitions, and mentioned that some of his pieces have received awards.
Lecturer Ekrem COŞKUN
