Turkish artist-diplomat Ayşegül Poroy unveils ‘New Nature’ Art Exhibition in Abuja

Ayşegül Poroy, artist and wife of the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Mehmet Poroy, on Tuesday unveiled a solo art exhibition in Abuja titled New Nature, offering a reflective exploration of environmental transformation, human intervention, and the enduring beauty of Nigerian landscapes.

The exhibition, hosted as a historic joint cultural initiative between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Türkiye, merges environmental advocacy with artistic expression through acrylic paintings, printmaking, and three-dimensional installations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Poroy shared how over three decades of international diplomatic life inspired her focus on the intersection of human-made waste and natural ecosystems.

She noted that her arrival in Nigeria a year ago sparked a deep connection to the country’s geography and a sense of responsibility as an artist to share that vision.

“In today’s rapidly digitising world, human-made plastics exist within nature not merely as waste, but increasingly as part of the human presence within it,” Poroy explained. “New Nature reminds us that nature is no longer simply a space we observe, but a reality continually reshaped through human intervention.”

The collection features three distinct series: a recycled installation highlighting plastic waste, botanical prints showcasing Nigeria’s native flora, and acrylic paintings capturing the nation’s distinct rock formations.

Through these layers, Poroy intertwines her personal journey across diverse landscapes with the broader global debate on sustainability.

Delivering an impassioned call for environmental stewardship, the artist urged attendees and the public to take pride in preserving their natural surroundings.

“My message is simple: please save the planet,” Poroy stated. “We have only one real thing, and that is nature. We have to protect it, love it, and be proud of the breathtaking nature here in Nigeria.”

Poroy’s work has been presented in 14 solo and 40 group exhibitions and art fairs in Türkiye and internationally. Alongside her artistic practice, she works in art education, museology and cultural projects, bringing together visual expression, research and public engagement.