Mayde Feruhhan (Maide Arel): A Life in Abstract Art

• Born: Istanbul, Turkey (1907)
• Died: February 9, 1997

Mayde Feruhhan, also known as Maide Arel, was a Turkish-born Armenian painter celebrated for her distinctive abstract and stylized figures. Her work, often characterized by a muted color palette, demonstrates influences from Cubism and Post-Impressionism. She left behind a legacy of compelling artistic exploration.

Early Life and Education

• Born into an Artistic Family: Feruhhan was the granddaughter of artist and designer Simon Dadyan and descended from the Balyan family, renowned architects in the Ottoman Empire.
• Formal Training: She studied at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, graduating in 1935. Her instructors included notable figures like Nazmi Ziya Güran, Mehmet Ruhi Arel, and Hikmet Onat.
• Marriage to Şemsi Arel: In 1935, she married painter Şemsi Arel, the son of her painting professor, further intertwining her life with the Turkish art scene.

Artistic Development and Influences

• Early Landscapes: Feruhhan's initial artistic period focused on landscapes.
• European Studies & Cubist Influence: Following a return to Europe, her style shifted dramatically towards abstraction. Between 1945 and 1950, she lived in Paris, studying with influential artists such as André Lhote, Fernand Léger, and Jean Metzinger. These experiences profoundly shaped her artistic direction, leading her toward Cubist principles of fragmentation and geometric simplification.
• Comparison to Paul Cézanne: Critics often draw parallels between Feruhhan's work and that of Paul Cézanne, particularly his Post-Impressionistic paintings like "Lake Annecy" and "View of Auvers," noting a shared emphasis on form and structure.

Style and Notable Works

• Abstracted Figures: Feruhhan’s signature style involves abstracting and stylizing human figures, often employing a restrained color palette to emphasize form over vibrant hues.
• Cubist Tendencies: Her work clearly reflects Cubist influences, evident in the fragmented perspectives and geometric shapes that define her compositions.
• "Girl at Her Embroidery": This painting exemplifies her style, showcasing a stylized portrait with warm tones and intricate details, capturing a moment of artistry and craft.

Legacy and Recognition

• Museum Collections: Feruhhan's work is included in prestigious collections such as the Widener University Art Collection and Gallery, alongside works by artists like Norm Sartorius, Nancy Graves, and Angelica Kauffman.
• Pioneer of Abstract Art: She is recognized as a pioneer of Cubism and geometric abstraction among female Turkish artists.
• Continued Inspiration: Her abstract figures continue to inspire contemporary artists and art enthusiasts alike.