‘Art’ bridge from Izmir to Adıyaman

The Kommagene Biennial, considered one of Turkey's largest contemporary art events and organized under the theme of ‘healing’, was hosted by Adıyaman for the second time, bringing together art enthusiasts. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şölen Kipöz from the Department of Textile and Fashion Design at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) participated in the biennial with a textile installation titled ‘Yükü Omuzlamak (Carrying the Burden)’, which she prepared in collaboration with fashion designer Hatice Gökçe. Stating that they used recycled fibers from waste fabrics in their artwork, which incorporated motifs specific to the region, Kipöz said, “Throughout history, women in the region have been known to play a constructive, healing, and life-sustaining role. We wanted to reflect this in our work.”

The biennial, held under the coordination of the LAM Association, sponsored by SANKO Holding, directed by Nihat Özdal, and curated by Hungarian artist Prof. Dr. Eros Istvan, hosted 53 artists from 20 different countries. The biennial, which includes works from many well-known figures alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kipöz and Hatice Gökçe, will be open for visitors until November 8.

WOMEN WHO CARRY THE BURDEN

Expressing their great joy in participating in the biennial and how the people of Adıyaman Kahta took a keen interest in them during their two-week stay, Kipöz said, “Women in the region have historically expressed themselves through motifs. Women in the area are known to have played a constructive, healing, and life-sustaining role throughout history. The focus we wanted to emphasize was the burdens carried by women. We wanted to convey that despite their fragile lives and invisibility, women who shoulder burdens, heal, and sustain local wisdom and skills offer hope for the continuity of life. For the carpet/rug motifs we used in our work, we benefited from the thesis of Ayşegül Zencirkıran, an academic from Adıyaman. This textile installation, which can be described as a striking outdoor piece at Kahta Castle, conceptually depicts the burdens carried by women while adding energy and visual richness to the space with its design.”

WE WORKED WITH LOCAL ARTISANS

Noting that the Kommagene Kingdom, which inspired them, stood out for its unifying structure that synthesized the East and West, Kipöz said they collaborated with local artisans and small businesses in the region while creating the artwork. Stating that all the materials used in the artwork were sourced from Adıyaman and its surroundings, Kipöz said, “We had the digital print of the surface design, which features images of the statues on Mount Nemrut, made in Adıyaman. We worked with well-known local saddle makers and tailors. During this process, we learned a lot from each other and shared our experiences. This biennial also facilitated a cultural Exchange.”

AN IMPRESSIVE ATMOSPHERE

Noting that the artworks were displayed at significant cultural heritage sites of Adıyaman, such as Mount Nemrut, Kahta Castle, the Cendere Bridge, Karakuş Tumulus, Belören Village, Perre Ancient City, and the Atatürk Dam, Kipöz said, “We stayed at the artists’ guesthouse in Kahta for two weeks and focused solely on the artwork we were preparing. Influenced by the local features and cultural texture of the region, we worked with whomever we could connect with and in whatever way we could produce under the guidance of local biennial volunteers. This is the first large outdoor exhibition of its kind in Turkey. The locations were so beautiful that the moment we placed the artworks, they created a highly impressive atmosphere.”