In the third in our series Meet the Artist, we talk to Burcu Uzun, who came to Luxembourg in 2019 and settled in leafy Kehlen, exhibiting her artwork extensively at small galleries over the past 12 months.

Uzun prefers the rich and intense tones of oil paints, and her colourful, often playful, paintings reflect the natural beauty of Luxembourg.

Supported by her parents in her artistic pursuits from a very young age, Uzun recognises that her paintings have matured and aged as she has, and is currently planning a more long-term, curated exhibition of her work.

What inspires you to create art, and where do you find your ideas?

Life itself is the inspiration. The colours of nature, the diversity of cultures, the variety of personalities amongst people, and my patience, combined with my passion for sharing my perception and perspective, is what drives my art.

“Luxembourg’s nature is simply magnificent. Its vibrant colours change throughout the seasons,” says Uzun © Photo credit: Burcu Uzun

All the joy that we see, every pain, each loss, all the wins are like the dance of nature. The sky dances on a windy day with the leaves or with the sea, as I walk my dog (Happy) or when I glimpse the news. I never sit in front of the canvas thinking what to paint. Life brings it to me. My sketchbook is always with me, because life never stops.

What is your favourite medium to work with?

I really like using oil paint. It demands patience but offers flexibility. Colours are far richer in tones and intense. It enables deeper layers and far wider ranges from dark to light.

I really like using oil paint. It demands patience but offers flexibility. Colours are far richer in tones and intense.

Burcu Uzun

Artist

In my art, as I transfer my inner world to canvas; it is me trying to reach the others. As my journey continues, my best companions are my brushes and the oil paint on my palette.

If you’re working with oil paint, you should know that it’s a long process. One has to wait for the paint to dry, to see what tone it turns to and to create the layers, deepening the visual. I simply adore this tranquillity and the way it detaches my inner world, yet at the same time bonds it to life.

Where are you from and how does it influence your art?

I am from the beautiful Aegean coastal city of Izmir, Turkey, but have been living in Kehlen since 2019.

It is just wonderful to live in a such a multicultural and multi-national country, which at the same time is so peaceful, and full of tolerance and diversity

Burcu Uzun

Artist

Luxembourg’s nature is simply magnificent. Its vibrant colours change throughout the seasons. That is the true art.

It is just wonderful to live in such a multicultural and multinational country, which at the same time is so peaceful, and full of tolerance and diversity. To me, “harmony” is the word for Luxembourg. This inevitably is reflected in the colours of my canvas.

How does your artwork reflect your personal experiences?

My art reflects my personality and my journey. My paintings have aged and matured with me.

Uzun says “harmony” is the word for Luxembourg because of its diversity and nature  © Photo credit: Burcu Uzun

My art, just like my love, accompanies me throughout time. That is why the colours, patterns and figures I use are all a part of my life and the experiences.

I am someone who always enjoys looking at, and bringing out, the brighter, more joyful and playful side of life. Which is why my paintings are usually vibrant.  

But like everyone, I’ve also had periods when my mood has been low, when I’ve felt profound sadness, and when I’ve experienced great losses. But life’s ups and downs and the experiences it brings have helped both me and my art mature and still remain playful with joy.

What does art mean to you and why do you make it?

For me, art means life itself. It is natural, just like sleeping, breathing, giggling, or like sitting and chatting with loved ones in a beautiful place like Izmir, while the sun sets over the sea.

For me, art means life itself. It is natural, just like sleeping, breathing, giggling, or like sitting and chatting with loved ones

Burcu Uzun

Artist

So, painting and sharing my art with others is an indispensable passion and way of life for me.

From a very young age, I’ve always shaped my life with colour and painting. I had a very lucky childhood, and art has always been a part of my life because my parents discovered this passion in me early and guided me in this direction. It is instinctive for me, like my heartbeat.

PHOTO

How do you think art impacts society and culture?

Life never stops and is not something one has to solve. We share and wish that something remains after our time is done. We want to be heard and wish to share what we feel.

Burcu is inspired by the beauty and landscapes of Luxembourg and her home country, Turkey © Photo credit: Burcu Uzun

What better way than art, and for me painting and especially oil painting. I simply want to share and believe that “art is for people”. My art is affected by the society and culture that I live in. But let’s be honest: where would we be without art? What would the Renaissance look like, if we take out paintings, sculptures, music from it? Harmony and joy of sharing are perhaps the impact of art on the society and culture.

Where have you exhibited and any forthcoming shows?

Over the past year, I took part in many exhibitions where I shared my art and had a chance to meet some great people.

“Kuki”- Kehlen, May 2024

“Galerie bei der Kierch” – Kehlen, October 2024

“Artsmanif” – LuxExpo, March 2025

“Artlenster, Festival des Beaux Arts” – Junglister, April 2025

“Art fair of Printemps” – City Concorde, 2025

I am currently preparing for a long-term exhibition, but the location and dates are not finalised.

For more information

You can find out more about Burcu Uzun’s art and upcoming exhibitions on her Instagram and Facebook pages or her website www.burcuuzun.lu. You can visit her home atelier by appointment.