A Conversation with Handan Ercengiz on Life, Art, and the JourneyPeople from Another World,
A life journey that began one day in Edirne continues today in Montenegro, filled with 52 countries, countless memories, and a colorful artistic adventure. We spoke with painter, traveler, and life enthusiast Handan Ercengiz about her world, her art, and her discoveries about life.
“Every new country awakens a new color within me.”
Born in 1963 in Edirne, Handan Ercengiz has shared her life with her husband, Gürsel Ercengiz, for 41 years. A mother of two, Handan has been living in Montenegro for the past seven years, returning to Istanbul during certain times of the year. After studying mathematics, computer programming, and sociology, she worked for many years in public relations and marketing in the lingerie brand she and her husband founded.
However, her true passion was always rooted much deeper: to live, to travel, and to create.
A Traveler’s Soul: “52 countries, and each one revealed a different version of me”
Ercengiz shares that she has had a deep curiosity about different cultures since childhood, and to date, she has traveled to 52 countries. She has lived for short periods in Los Angeles, London, and Tuscany. Now, she is experiencing a new phase of life in Montenegro.
“Traveling is one thing; living is another. Becoming part of a new country’s language, rhythm, and traditions… It’s really an exchange. While I offer something to them, they transform me in return.”
The Inner Journey of Art Guided Her Path
Handan’s relationship with painting began back in middle school, when one of her paintings was gifted by her teacher as a housewarming present. Although the memory held a hint of melancholy at the time, it eventually revealed the artistic potential within her.
Yet, life got in the way, and for many years, art was placed on hold—until seven years ago.
Taking lessons from private instructors in Istanbul and Tuscany, she picked up the brush again, working with great detail on fruit cross-sections and flowers, intending to make the “miracles in plain sight” visible.
“I invited the viewer to slow down, to focus, to rediscover life. Every brushstroke was a thought rising to the surface.”
A Journey Crowned with Exhibitions
Her first solo exhibition titled “From Within (İÇTEN)”, held in Istanbul in 2018, made a big impact, with all 65 pieces sold. Then came “Arte Strangers” in Venice and “I Am Woman (Kadın-ım)” in Istanbul.
Her work started gaining international attention with the 2021 “Woman is the Symbol of Power” exhibit in Bodrum and the 2022 “Wellness Project” curated by ArtModernMiami.
New Exhibition: “Beyond the Surface”
Her upcoming show “Beyond the Surface”, opening on September 20, 2025, in Montenegro, highlights the artist’s philosophical and intuitive side. Combining geometry with deep meaning, she invites the viewer not just to see, but to feel and reflect.
“I became color, I became sound, I held a brush to the questions I carried inside… This exhibition is a reminder of our journey toward meaning.”
Unforgettable Memories from the Edges of Life
When art and travel come together, memories become more vivid. One of Handan Ercengiz’s most treasured memories took place on Mauritius Island:
“We discovered that my birthday coincided with the island’s Independence Day. They had me cut a giant island-shaped cake with a sword, a marching band played, the flag was raised… It was the most surprising and unforgettable birthday of my life.”
Her Motto:
“Life is a sailboat—choose the open seas.”
Today, many people dream of moving to another country. According to Handan, it’s a courageous step. Because:
“Instead of staying in a safe harbor, venturing into the open seas expands your soul. This journey taught me to value everything, live in the moment, and celebrate my existence.”
Her Message to the Universe:
“I am ready!”
At the end of our interview, we asked her to imagine sending a message to the universe. Her answer beautifully reflected her inner joy and sense of surrender:
“I am honored to be a part of you. I am ready for all your gifts and miracles.”
Melda Sherman
ARTTMODERNMIAMI NEWS
@melssherman
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