Ruşen Eşref Yılmaz was born in Erciş on November 2, 1952. He studied German in the Ankara Gazi Institute of Education and obtained his undergraduate at the Eskişehir Anadolu University. He became interested in poetry, literature and painting. He has held more than ten personal exhibitions and participated in group exhibitions. He translated works by Goethe, Hermann Hesse and Wolfgang Borchert. His articles and commentaries on the philosophy of art have appeared in various publications. He also has a poetry book entitled "Kar Defteri" (Snow Book).