Diageo Turkey, well-known for its support in the field of culture and arts, has opened the exhibition "Converging Waters, Blossoming Hopes" at Hope Alkazar, located in the heart of Istiklal Avenue. The exhibition, curated and art-consulted by Sinan Eren Erk, brings together the works of 15 artists shaped around the themes of nature, the city, and hope.
Bahar Uçanlar, General Manager of Diageo Turkey—which has previously supported organizations like İKSV and Arter as well as various activities across different art disciplines—states that they have taken their support for culture and arts a step further: "Many new artists in Turkey are working with great dedication to turn their dreams into reality. We want to support artists at the start of their careers on this journey and multiply their hopes, while once again underlining the value we place on experienced artists."
The exhibition's curator, Sinan Eren Erk, says that the transformation we experienced during the pandemic determined the conceptual framework of the exhibition: "During the period of uncertainty and loneliness created by the pandemic, we witnessed the miraculous resilience of nature. As cities fell silent, air pollution decreased, new sprouts bloomed, and animals returned to their habitats. Nature regrew hope even in the most difficult moments.
This process reminded us that the city is not just a space we live in, but also a living body where our relationships, bonds, and dreams are reflected. Art, just like nature, demonstrates its resilience; it makes invisible bonds visible and multiplies hope. Coming to life with the works of pioneering artists from different generations and disciplines, 'Converging Waters, Blossoming Hopes' draws attention to these invisible bonds that bring us together." The exhibition can be viewed at Hope Alkazar until October 27.
In the 1990s, it was very fashionable for poets to release albums where they performed their own poems. I still keep the Turkish Poetry cassettes given by Hürriyet Gösteri magazine. The Attilâ İlhan Science, Art, and Culture Foundation's release of the poem 'Yaş Kırktan Yukarı' (Age Above Forty) in his own voice for the first time in a digital environment—on the 20th anniversary of Attilâ İlhan’s passing—took me back to those years.
Attilâ İlhan, who left deep marks on Turkish literature and passed away on October 10, 2005, had previously met poetry lovers with recordings of poems like 'Ben Sana Mecburum', 'Ne Kadınlar Sevdim', and 'An Gelir'. The poem by the master writer, who was born exactly 100 years ago, was published as part of the 'Attilâ İlhan is 100 Years Old!' events. It is a pleasant surprise for those who love listening to poetry and miss the verse and voice of Attilâ İlhan.
