Gönül Sen-Menzel: Her Paintings in the Place of Honor at the Exhibition “Unforgettable”

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Lindenthal. The artist Nuray Turan and 13 other artists celebrated the opening of the exhibition she organized, “Unvergesslich – Unutulmaz – unforgettable”.

“I came to the theme ‘Unforgettable’ because my friend and fellow artist Gönül Sen-Menzel died in March,” Nuray Turan explained in her opening speech, which was also attended by district mayor Roland Schüler (Greens) and the Turkish Consul General in Cologne, Hüseyin Emre Engin. “I would like to thank all the artists who have made it their task to build bridges,” said Hüseyin Emre Engin, emphasizing that this is an exhibition of international artists. The artists interpreted the theme in many different ways. People, love or vacations were just three of the subjects reflected in sculpture, painting, photography, glass art and installations. Bernd Müller linked unforgettability with an ethical aspect. He exhibited a pensive monkey cast in bronze, with the description: “A philosopher, or thinker, is a person who strives to find answers to fundamental questions about the world and about the relationship between humans and their environment. Philosophy includes questions of being, of how humans perceive the world, of the meaning of life, and of how people act in a morally good way. For many, these insights are unforgettable.”

William Sen, the son of the late artist Gönül Sen-Menzel, had brought four of his mother’s paintings. The colorful pictures hang in a place of honor, with flowers in front of them. The paintings warm the room with their colors, as if the artist herself were present. “My mother lived in her studio; she constantly had visitors there, and there was always tea,” said William Sen, describing the artistic life of his mother, who died unexpectedly in her studio. Two more of her paintings are currently on display at the Museum Ludwig. “I donated one of her pictures to the synagogue and have archived all of her works,” William Sen said. “I am also continuing to look for ways to show her pictures.”

“A valuable contribution to our district,” said Roland Schüler in praise of the exhibition, which can be seen at the Kunsthalle in the Lindenthal district town hall until November 2. From October 31 to November 2 there will also be an “art bridge” art market from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., where small, affordable artworks will be for sale. (nk)

Original caption: The artist and exhibition organizer Nuray Turan (4th from right) welcomed guests to the opening together with district mayor Roland Schüler (3rd from right), Turkish Consul General Hüseyin Emre Engin (2nd from right) and the exhibiting artists.