Ceramic wall panels in architecture: The case of the work of art titled “Freedom”

Abstract

Looking at its historical process, the ceramic tile technique that appears in religious, military and administrative buildings as a wall cladding method, has nowadays given way to ceramic wall panels that contribute to the aesthetic values of contemporary architectural structures. This contribution made by the coordinated effort of the architect and the artist via ceramic wall panels, which started to be installed at specifically reserved spots within such contemporary architectural structures, also adds a positive impression on the identity of the structure. These panels, which are considered to be means of surface enrichment and identity attribution, comprise all the stages of forming a work of art. Light, color, circulation, balance, composition, etc. are the factors which stand out as the significant elements within the artwork. Unfortunately, aesthetic and environmental factors are not taken into account within the scope of the rapidly increasing settlement rate worldwide, including our country; and this in turn causes numerous structures in various cities around the world to look alike in shape and form. Still, there are artists, though few in number, who apply structural ceramic elements, which are both environment-friendly and have been in use for thousands of years, with a contemporary understanding. This study aims to elaborate on this issue with a specific focus on the case of the ceramic wall panel titled “Freedom” by Huseyin Ozcelik, executed in 2012 to qualify as a permanent example in which art engages with education; at the Central Library Building of the Near East University, North Cyprus. This application is a completely subjective, and by demonstrating the design and application processes to a group of students, it was aimed to serve educational purposes as well as to empower the structure with an artistic identity.

Keywords: ceramic tiles, ceramic wall panels, design