Fatme Bakhtiyar – a girl from Shumen pursuing her dreams

“Hello, my name is Fatme, and I’m a 10th-grade student and the creator of the exhibition 'Through Fatme’s Eyes”, is how one of nearly 3,000 girls and boys aged 15 to 19, who live, study and dream in Shumen (Northeastern Bulgaria) briefly introduces herself.

Recently, Fatme Bahtiyar opened a solo exhibition in her hometown. Her works sparked curiosity among classmates and peers, perhaps because they are inspired by her favorite films and characters.

“When I paint, I feel calm and focused. I immerse myself in the emotion and try to convey the character of each figure. It’s a moment when I express myself”, Fatme said in an interview for the Turkish section of Radio Bulgaria, happily talking about her inspiration and the creative process behind her paintings.

“I’ve been drawing since I was very little, ever since I first held a pencil. My interest in art came quite naturally, as part of my everyday life. I think there’s also a hereditary connection, because my mother has talent as well and has always encouraged me to draw.

Since I’m a fan of the Korean series Squid Game, I painted the main character on canvas. I consider this my first true artwork, and it’s no coincidence that it holds a central place in my exhibition.

I mainly focus on painting, but I’m also interested in graphic art. Drawing requires a lot of concentration and time, and because I go to school, it can take me at least two weeks to complete painting.”

Fatme also draws inspiration from historical events and figures, music and animated characters. Although she spends a significant amount of time to visual art, it is still only a hobby for her. The teenager is currently studying graphic design at Panayot Volov High School in Shumen, while her professional ambitions are only beginning to take shape.

She is delighted by the reception of her works, for which she is grateful to her school and her teacher, Ms. Petya Alekseeva, a specialist in visual arts who helped select the paintings for the exhibition. What emotions has this experience stirred in the young artist? 

“I felt excitement and joy when people viewed my paintings. I was curious to see how they would perceive my works, and I could see that they sparked interest and emotion”, Fatme told Radio Bulgaria. She added that she has a particular affinity for depicting women in her art: “Because they are all strong women with distinct personalities, like Rayna Knyaginya, Elena Karamihaylova, the ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, and the contemporary singer Lisa from Blackpink”, said Fatme Bahtiyar.

It takes persistence and courage to achieve your dreams. Fatme Bahtiyar sent a wish to her peers: ''Follow what you love and don’t be afraid to express yourself! Everyone has talent—it’s important to discover it and work to develop it.”

Interview by Bedrie Haliz

Edited by Elena Karkalanova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov