Tugyan Cengic

Before we get into your work, can you just tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Tugyan Cengic. I'm 28 years old and currently live in Berlin, Germany, where I work as a freelance artist. I am of Turkish origin, but I spent my formative years growing up in Abuja, Nigeria - the place that still feels closest to home for me.

We are curious about your past and your style. When did you get started with art, what are your preferred topics and how would you describe your style?

⁠I've painted for as long as I can remember, since childhood. I recall one moment from third grade that stuck with me: We had to paint a picture about forests and I was completely amazed by how well the boy sitting next to me could paint trees. That fascination was so strong that from that day on, I started teaching myself how to paint and I never really stopped. Honestly, I don't really like describing my style. I think it's easier to just look at the paintings themselves, and besides, I don't believe in having a fixed style. No painting is like another, and my way of painting has changed enormously over the past few years and I'm sure it will keep changing a great deal.

Can you briefly explain what your designs are about and what message you want to convey with your designs for maezen.

My paintings often revolve around nostalgia and personal memories -  sometimes things that really happened, sometimes dreams I once had. Honestly, giving the viewer something specific to take away isn't really my intention. I simply paint things that are on my mind. It's always nice to hear that a painting resonates with someone or brings up memories of their own, but that's not what I'm aiming for. For me, painting is more of a personal process than a message meant for others - at least for now. That could always change.

Last question, is there one thing which is important to you that you would like to share with our community?

Take time to figure out what actually matters to you in life - and maybe what always has. Truly to YOU, personally. I think that's become really hard these days, because we're bombarded with so many outside influences that shape our opinions. Of course, it's important to let outside influences in, but by now they've reached an unhealthy scale. Maybe looking back at your childhood can help, too. Often, the interests and dreams we had back then are the most genuine ones.

Check out more from Tugyan: Instagram