Latif Demirci’s Legacy: Exhibition in Istanbul Honors the Artistic Journey of the Iconic Cartoonist

The “Written-Drawn by LATIF DEMİRCİ” exhibition at İŞ Sanat Kibele Art Gallery in Istanbul is a wonderful tribute to the late Latif Demirci, a prominent Türkiye cartoonist known for his unique humor and witty lines. Curated by his daughter, Yasemin Demirci, and his close friend, journalist İhsan Yılmaz, the exhibition showcases Demirci’s remarkable artistic journey.

Here are some highlights from the exhibition:

1. Humor and Attention to Detail:
   • Latif Demirci had a talent for revealing simple humor in every story while paying attention to fine details. His archive, which includes personal belongings and previously unseen drawings, sheds light on the depth of his work.
   • The exhibition aims to honor Demirci’s artistry and introduce it to new generations, emphasizing the colorful and humorous history of Türkiye over the last 30 to 40 years through his caricatures.
2. Chronological and Thematic Order:
   • The retrospective exhibition presents Demirci’s works in a chronological and thematic order. Visitors can explore the adventures of the cartoon characters he created, the books he published, and his diverse body of work.
   • The journey begins with Demirci’s contributions to the well-known humor magazine Gırgır in the 1970s and extends to his last cartoon published in 2022.
3. Unseen Drawings and Watercolors:
   • The exhibition features Demirci’s never-seen watercolor works, drawing notebooks, and original cartoons. These reveal the evolution of his artistic expression and provide insights into his creative process.
4. Iconic Characters:
   • Visitors can enjoy cartoons featuring unforgettable characters such as Canavar Koyun Orhan, Muhlis Bey, Arap Kadri, Yavlum Mithat ve Mirsat, and Press Bey.
   • Demirci’s contributions to weekly magazines like Nokta and Yeni Gündem, as well as his daily front-page cartoons in Hürriyet, are also on display.
5. Special Works and Satire:
   • The exhibition includes Demirci’s special works created for Latife Tekin’s novel “Berci Kristin Çöp Masalları”.
   • His drawings from the National Geoglathif album explore the complex relationship between humans and animals through satire, entertainment, and masterful lines.
6. Exhibition Catalogue:
   • Curator İhsan Yılmaz prepared an exhibition catalogue, which will be published by Türkiye İş Bankası Publishing House.
   • The catalog features texts accompanied by memoirs and articles written by various individuals who knew and appreciated Demirci’s work.
7. Photographs and Family Album:
   • Alongside caricatures, the catalog includes photographs from Demirci’s family album, providing a glimpse into his personal life and creative environment.

“Written-Drawn by LATIF DEMİRCİ” is a must-visit for anyone interested in Türkiye’s rich cartooning heritage. The exhibition runs until June 30, offering a delightful journey through Demirci’s artistic legacy.