ATM to ART: Former banker Sibel Yavuz makes a name as a painter

Sibel Yavuz is originally from Istanbul, Türkiye. She is a former banker and auditor, living in Dubai since 2011, and as a qualified Turkish language instructor for over half a decade, she enjoys teaching.

“I could only begin painting, which has been my love since childhood, when I bought myself, five years ago, a present – attendance in a painting class!”, she says, remembering the beginning of her serious artistic journey. A self-taught artist, she is completely focused on her work when painting. “Painting is my passion,” she says. “I always try to create meaningful and unique paintings, in the abstract/contemporary school.”

A member of Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) and also part of its team of volunteers, Sibel is also a member of IAVA, the International Association of Visual Artists. She has also been part of prestigious events in Dubai, such as World Art Dubai 2020 and DIFC Art Nights.

She has exhibited widely in the UAE, which includes 30+ group exhibitions in, besides the UAE, Türkiye, USA, India, Germany and group shows in Reem Art Gallery, Picasso and Art4you Gallery, at Sultana Kazim’s Imperial Falcon Villa Studios & Art Galleries, Hayat Arts and Cross Borders Art Gallery, with Artezaar and Funun Arts Group, at DIAC, the Museum of Americas (USA-Houston), in Istanbul, Turkiye, with ZeeArts Gallery and also at the Embassy of India in the UAE.

Blooms decorate a vase.

A Vice-President at UNESCO International Action Art –Türkiye, Sibel has served as a volunteer-mentor for children with autism, donating one of her paintings to the Omniyat Center for People of Determination, Dubai. “I wish to share my artwork with a wide audience,” she says, speaking to Gulf Today

Aren’t banking and art two completely different worlds? What made you pursue art even when working as a banker?

Absolutely, they are very different worlds! I worked for many years at one of Türkiye’s largest private banks, receiving several achievement awards. But painting has always been my childhood passion. Ever since I was a little child, all I needed was a piece of paper and a pencil to immerse myself in drawing, for hours. My art teacher in middle school noticed my talent and also submitted my works to competitions. At the age of 40, I finally gave myself a very special gift — a painting course! That was the true beginning of my artistic journey.

Flowers burst from their vase.

How would you compare the Turkish and Emirati art scenes?

What I truly admire about the UAE is its positive and supportive approach to art and artists. It’s an international hub where many cultures come together under one umbrella. Being able to witness different perspectives and creative approaches in such a vibrant environment, is incredibly inspiring.

How have Türkiye and the UAE shaped you as an artist?

I believe art becomes meaningful when it is infused with emotions and lived experiences. Both countries have influenced me positively, each in its own way, and these influences inevitably find their way onto my canvas.

It is springtime.

In your opinion, what makes a painting unique and meaningful?

A painting should speak to a viewer every time he or she looks at it. It should have a message, a purpose, and create a connection between the artist and the one who views it. Personally, I create my works for myself first. But meeting art lovers, people I’ve never met before, who feel the same emotions while looking at my paintings, is one of the greatest joys of this journey.

You’ve lived in the UAE for nearly 15 years. Is there one aspect of Emirati culture that has had a significant impact on you?

From the very first day I moved here, I never felt like a stranger. The respect and tolerance people show towards each other and towards different cultures, is truly heartwarming. That openness has always made me feel at home. People are also very helpful.

Solitary splendour.

How has being a member of DIAC supported your artistic journey?

DIAC is a remarkable institution, with nearly 50 years of history. The management’s approach to artists is incredibly warm and encouraging. By joining their volunteer team, I became part of this wonderful art family. I also had the privilege of working with some of Dubai’s most important curators, each of whom has contributed positively to my journey. I am deeply grateful to them all.

Nature is a recurring theme in your works. Why does it inspire you so much?

Because Nature itself is the greatest masterpiece! I only try to blend it with my emotions and deliver the message I want to share, through my own artistic language.

Türkiye is the land of Rumi and the whirling dervishes. Has Sufism influenced your art in any way?

Rumi is an extraordinary and world renowned philosopher. His ideas and wisdom certainly inspire me and influence my perspective as an artist. I would like to share a famous saying by him: “Either appear as you are, or be as you appear.” It is an approach I have always tried to apply to myself, and I believe I have been successful in doing so.

Sibel Yavuz is based in the UAE.

How do you envision yourself as an artist 25 years from now?

I would love to be seen as a respected artist, especially one who has contributed to nurturing young talent. For me, reputation and legacy matter deeply. A name is everything.