Ebru painting, also known as paper marbling, is a traditional Turkish art form that involves creating colorful patterns on the surface of water and then transferring those patterns onto paper, fabric, wood, and other surfaces. The art has a long history in many countries, including suminagashi in Japan during the 800-900s; according to artist Garip Ay, ebru arrived in Istanbul around 500 years ago.
Ay is known for his colorful ebru illustrations on the dark water. In the mesmerizing video above, he embraces water’s temporal nature and transforms each scene into the next. The accompanying music is by mercandede.
The scenes are based on Rumi stories, anecdotes, parables, or narratives associated with the life and teachings of the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, JalΔl al-DΔ«n Muhammad RΕ«mΔ«. These stories often convey profound spiritual and moral lessons, reflecting Rumi’s emphasis on love, wisdom, and the pursuit of divine knowledge.
Garip Ay shares more about his art, painting tools, and his approach to the medium in the Great Big Story below:
Find Garip Ay on Instagram, YouTube, and Blogspot.
Watch a few related videos on TKSST:
β’ Van Goghβs Starry Night painted on dark water by Garip Ay
β’Β The traditional Turkish paper marbling art of Ebru
β’Β The art of suminagashi or Japanese paper marbling
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