tjg artist MURAT URLALI has made the finals of the Dobell Drawing Prize with his work ‘The Gift of Art’
“This is a relief drawing in liner and gold leaf inspired by Del Cossa’s ‘Annunciation’. I have also employed a very traditional technique – illumination (turning gold leaf into powder, applying the powder combined with gum arabica, then burnishing it with agate.). It’s a time-consuming process but the end effect is spectacular. The drawing is both serious and playful at the same time. Serious in the treatment of and respect for Del Cossa’s original and playful through the combination of images which make up the composition.
As the artist, I have depicted myself reacting to news from the Archangel Gabriel that I have been granted the gift of art. God is lurking in the background, clearly enjoying this joke. There are a couple of Turkic ‘djinns’ too, also keenly observing the events happening to the mortal below. I am dressed in a robe which is in a traditional Turkic pattern and I am wearing a turban for dramatic effect! And the flying pig requires no explanation” – Murat Urlali
Please visit our website or contact the team to view more of Murat’s works
