Selda (Epice) Ozudogru: A Journey Through Art
Selda Ozudogru, also known as Epice, opened her eyes to the world in 1979. At just two years old, she began living with her grandmother, who fueled her passion for painting by always buying her paints and encouraging her to beautify the world with them. Selda’s family recognized her talent early on, often remarking, "This girl will be a painter when she grows up." Her confidence soared as every picture she created in elementary school was proudly displayed on the school board, with ...
Selda (Epice) Ozudogru: A Journey Through Art
Selda Ozudogru, also known as Epice, opened her eyes to the world in 1979. At just two years old, she began living with her grandmother, who fueled her passion for painting by always buying her paints and encouraging her to beautify the world with them. Selda’s family recognized her talent early on, often remarking, "This girl will be a painter when she grows up." Her confidence soared as every picture she created in elementary school was proudly displayed on the school board, with her art teacher consistently supporting and believing in her potential.
In 1994, Selda began her high school education at Kalaba Girls Vocational High School, where she formally started learning art. She graduated in 1997, and her determination to attend the academy led her to work tirelessly, drawing patterns with fervent dedication.
In 2001, Selda’s hard work paid off as she secured 2nd place in the entrance exams for the Painting Department at Gazi University Vocational Education Faculty. During her university years, she met many artists and graduated in 2005, subsequently becoming an educator. Between 2001 and 2003, she gave painting lessons to young people preparing for special talent exams at the faculty of fine arts, many of whom achieved their desired success.
In 2007, Selda started working at the Antigone Art Workshop, where she not only continued her painting studies but also taught children and young people how to paint. This period was marked by numerous workshop exhibitions and many of her students passing fine arts academy exams, with some even qualifying to study art in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Canada.
From 2011 to 2013, Selda participated in a project initiated by the University Society Association, founded by Middle East Technical University. The project, titled “Art for All,” aimed to introduce art to children who otherwise had limited access to it. Selda's role was to paint with the children and teach them the art of painting.
In 2013, Selda took part in an initiative by AbbVie, which involved collaborating with artists worldwide to express the emotions of patients with autoimmune diseases through art. Her work, "Mystery," was chosen by the jury of AbbVie representatives as the most effective expression of emotions and was exhibited globally in 2014 and beyond, also being used as poster images.
That same year, the Ankara Bar Association launched the “Gelincik” project to support women who experienced violence. Selda's participation, alongside many other artists, resulted in works that became symbols of the violence faced by women.
Following the tragic accident in Soma in 2014, which claimed the lives of 301 workers, Selda participated in an art solidarity project to support the workers' families. The proceeds from the artworks were donated to the children of the deceased workers.
In 2014-2015, Selda worked as a Visual Arts teacher at Art College (Private Arif Gürler Anatolian High School). She established an Art Club to integrate children with art and opened an art workshop in the school nursery to engage young children with painting.
Selda’s painting works are characterized by meaningful figures and colors that convey emotions. She transports her audience to different worlds and creates new stories with each piece. Her use of colors and textures evolves daily, adding new dimensions to her art.
Workshops and Exhibitions
WORKSHOPS:
- 2013 Friendship and Art Meeting, Zonguldak-Ereğli, Turkey
- 2017 Ardahan University 1st Art Workshop, Ardahan, Turkey
FAIRS:
- 2009 Çağsav-Ankart Art Meeting, Ankara, Turkey
- 2009 Artform Art Fair, Ankara, Turkey
- 2012 Çağsav-Ankart Art Meeting, Ankara, Turkey
- 2016 Artform Art Fair, Ankara, Turkey
EXHIBITIONS:
- 2011 'Transformation' Solo Painting Exhibition, ANSE MDM, Ankara, Turkey
- 2012 Solo Painting Exhibition, Hülya Kırmızıoğlu Art Gallery, Istanbul, Turkey
- 2012 'Violence Against Women' Group Exhibition, Turkish British Cultural Association, Ankara, Turkey
- 2012 'International Women's Day' Group Exhibition, Transparent Art Gallery, Ankara, Turkey
- 2014 '41 Dreams' Group Exhibition, Ordu Cultural Center, Ordu, Turkey
- 2017 Mixed Exhibition, State Fine Arts Gallery, Antalya, Turkey