After his geometric abstract works in his early years, Mübin Orhon adopted a smudge-like approach similar to the artists from École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, highlighting textural values by using paint in different densities. His explorations led him to dynamic brushstrokes. Later, he turned to techniques that made the paint thinner and allowed it to flow on the canvas. In the 1970s, he was influenced by Eastern philosophy and created monochrome works. He then carried out a series of works with brush marks and scraping in horizontal and vertical directions. After 1978, he focused on a vertical line evoking a cleft in his works. As an abstract artist, Mübin Orhon never concerned himself with figurative reality. For this reason, his work is devoid of any “concrete” imagery, underpinnings, or associations. It is instead based entirely on the use of color from which all form has been purged. While it has been said that his paintings are infused with Oriental philosophy, mystic serenity, and Mevlevi spirituality, it is equally true that none of these influences manifest themselves in terms of form. Orhon’s paintings are the natural outcome of the struggle between the artist and his art. Every aspect of a painting, from the choice of paint and color to issues related to texture, transparency, and minimalism, is dictated by the internal dynamics of the work itself.
Mübin Orhon (1924, Istanbul – 1981, Paris) graduated from Ankara University, Faculty of Political Sciences. The artist, who moved to Paris in 1948 to complete his doctorate degree, turned towards art and took drawing classes at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière until 1954. Orhon made a name for himself among the modern art community due to the inclusion of his paintings in 1953 and 1955. Exhibiting his works at Lucien Durand’s gallery in the 1960s ensured a breakthrough in his career: Lisa and Robert Sainsbury began acquiring his works for the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. The artist’s first solo show took place at Butik Melda (1967) upon his return to Turkey for his military service. Other solo shows include Couper Gallery (London), Maçka Art Gallery (Istanbul), Galeri Nev İstanbul (1992, 1997, 1998), Yapı Kredi Kazım Taşkent Art Gallery (1996), and Milli Reasürans Art Gallery (2001).