"Soma"

All profit from this artwork will be donated to the families of miners who lost their lives in the Soma mining disaster. On May 13, 2014, an explosion at a coal mine in Soma, Manisa, Turkey, caused a devastating underground fire that burned for two days, tragically claiming 301 lives. It remains the worst mining disaster in Turkey's history. This piece is my tribute to the miners who lost their lives and the families who continue to bear the weight of their loss.

The central tear-shaped crack splitting the canvas represents the opening to the mine—the very space that became both a place of labor and tragedy. It is a wound, deep and symbolic, reflecting the moment the mine collapsed and lives were lost. The eyes within the fissure represent the miners themselves, forever present and watching, each one embodying a life, a story, and a memory that cannot be forgotten.

These eyes are shaded in a way that symbolizes their souls—the lingering presence of those who once toiled underground, now immortalized in this haunting visual. The chaotic blend of earthy tones—deep greens, browns, and yellows—not only mirrors the natural environment of the mine but also carries the emotional weight of the screams and chaos from that day.

The red paint dripping downward is unmistakably their blood, a visual testament to the physical cost of the disaster. It flows as a reminder of sacrifice and loss, painting the tragedy with undeniable permanence. Yet, even amidst the darkness, the textures and light that peek through suggest resilience—the hope that healing, however slow, can emerge.

This work is a reflection of grief, memory, and solidarity, ensuring that the miners' sacrifices and the pain endured by their families remain part of a collective remembrance that will not fade.