About Murat Genç

He was born in Amed (Diyarbakir) in 1973 and is of Kurdish descent. His interest in painting began during his middle and high school years, a passion that led him to win first prize in a regional painting competition. While studying at Dicle University, Faculty of Education, in the Department of Mathematics, he was arrested for political reasons. During his 30-year imprisonment, he was only allowed to paint for two years. The paintings he created during this brief period in prison were later exhibited in Amed and Istanbul. After his release, he arrived in Switzerland in September 2023. Through his art, he aims to emphasise the brutality of war in the Middle East, addressing the destruction caused by conflict, the hardships of migration, the refugee journey, and the tragedies faced by families. His work also seeks to reveal hidden forms of violence.

Trigger Warning

The paintings presented in our exhibit document scenes that may be emotionally difficult to view. Some text has been hidden to respect the sensitivity of each individual. You may choose to read them by lifting the specific covers. If any paintings raise questions or disturb you, do not hesitate to contact the Migration Initiative (gisa.migrationinitiative@graduateinstitute.ch) for assistance. We thank you for your understanding and for your respect for each individual’s experiences and emotions.