International Award for Environmental Message
Oğuz Ülgen Tunç, a 2026 graduate of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Visual Communication Design, conveyed the ecological transformation caused by climate change and environmental pollution in the oceans through an interactive art (installation) work titled ‘Anoxia’, which turns the viewer into part of the narrative. With this original work completed as part of his graduation project, Tunç won first place in the ‘Visual Arts’ category of the Ireland-based, The Global Undergraduate Awards. The young designer will receive his award at a ceremony to be held in Dublin in November.
Oğuz Ülgen Tunç completed his project titled ‘Anoxia’ under the mentorship of Head of Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Mura, Asst. Prof. Dr. Toros Mutlu, and Lecturer Selin Özçelik Mörth. In his project, rather than conveying ecological changes in the oceans solely through data, Tunç aimed to create a thought-provoking experience that makes the viewer part of the process. He illustrated the transformation caused by climate change in the marine ecosystem through jellyfish, a species that is highly resistant and adaptable to harsh environmental conditions.
A STREAK OF SUCCESS
Standing out among numerous projects, Tunç achieved first place and brought the award to Izmir. Following last year's first-place victory by Gözde Naz Terzi, a graduate of the same department, with her animation titled ‘Tora’, Oğuz Ülgen Tunç repeated the same success this year, bringing pride to Izmir University of Economics for the second consecutive time.
“DESIGN HAS THE POWER TO MOVE PEOPLE INTO ACTION”
Stating that while preparing his work, he aimed not only to present an aesthetically strong project but also to encourage the viewer to reflect and question their own behavior, Tunç said: “I believe that design can do more than just convey a message; it can build a strong bond with people and motivate them to take action. In this project, I wanted the viewer not merely to observe a work, but to alter the direction of the experience through their own choices. In doing so, I aimed to make the individual feel the consequences of their relationship with the environment more directly. This award will empower me regarding the topics I want to work on and my design perspective. I would like to thank my professors who provided me with diverse perspectives during my education and supported me in developing my ideas. In my future work, I want to continue focusing on areas where design can connect with social and environmental issues.”
WHAT IS INTERACTIVE ART?
Interactive art is an artistic approach in which the viewer does not merely look at the artwork, but directly participates in its creation, change, or operation. While in traditional art the viewer is mostly an observer standing in front of the piece, in interactive art the viewer becomes a part of the artwork, and sometimes even its co-creator. The artwork can be designed to respond to the viewer's movement, touch, sound, position, or the choices they make.
