Right in the vibrant heart of Miami, a city renowned for its dazzling art scene and cultural mosaic, a young artist dreams of seeing her art featured in Miami’s Art Basel Show. Despite a difficult beginning to her life, Irem, a 14-year-old student and surrealist has her eyes set on Art Basel and art displays worldwide. Irem’s story isn’t just about her remarkable talent; it’s a narrative that underscores the critical importance of nurturing artistic passion from a young age, particularly in an education system often skewed heavily towards traditional academics.
A Diamond In The Rough
Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Irem always seemed to have a knack for art early. “Ever since I was small, I’ve had this knack for drawing. It always seemed to surprise people.” This gift would continue to grow as she moved to the United States. Despite her talent, her art was never given a chance to be showcased as a gift but was treated as a distraction. “Teachers always discouraged me from drawing and told me to focus on class.” This is a common occurrence. With a major push for STEM education and results, art has steadily declined in the school system over the last thirty years. Sandra Ruppert, director of the Arts Education Partnership recognizes this issue. “We have a whole generation of teachers and parents who have not had the advantage of arts in their education.”
Photo Courtesy: Irem
Giving Her Art A Chance
Noticing her talent, her stepdad knew something had to change. “I saw her creativity and knew we had to nurture it. Watching her art evolve has been nothing short of inspiring.” Following her parent’s support, she was fortunate to be accepted into Miami’s prestigious Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH). This milestone marked the beginning of her journey from an imaginative youngster to an artist with a purpose. “Once I found myself in a place that truly valued art, everything just started to fall into place,” she recalls, her voice brimming with gratitude for the support and encouragement she’s received from her parents.
Photo Courtesy: Irem
Art Is A Pathway To A New Reality
Surrealism captivates Irem, offering her a canvas to explore the depths of her imagination. “Art is my escape,” she explained, “I often find inspiration when I’m bored in school.”
As Irem paints her path toward her dreams, she hopes to inspire other kids to chase their dreams. “Life is short, so focus on your dreams. Don’t worry about what others think.” based.
You can learn more about Irem and her art by visiting her website – www.IremTheArtist.com
Or follow her on Instagram : www.instagram.com/iremtheartist
Published by: Nelly Chavez
