The exhibition titled “Converging Waters, Blossoming Hopes,” realized through the collaboration of Milliyet Sanat and Diageo Turkey and curated/art-consulted by Sinan Eren Erk, has opened at Hope Alkazar on Istiklal Avenue. The exhibition features works by 15 local and foreign artists shaped around the themes of nature, the city, and hope, with a production diversity encompassing painting, video installation, miniature, and digital art.
While explaining the conceptual framework of the exhibition, Curator Sinan Eren Erk says: “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 reflecting our relationships, bonds, and dreams. 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. It reminds us that, just like waters mingling with one another, art blossoms hope once again.”
Emphasizing that they tried to focus on the questions of what we all experienced, witnessed, lived through, and lost in the exhibition, Sinan Eren Erk states: “The artists whose works are featured in the exhibition are from different generations and perspectives. They have also spent a lot of time in Istanbul. The most interesting part for these 15 artists was this: they had always been in the same places and spent time where the others were. However, most of them did not know each other until this exhibition. With this exhibition, they began to meet one another. In this way, the flow of the waters changed in this direction, which is already one of the things we missed most. In a sense, this is one of the strategies for survival. Therefore, there is a story here consisting of 15 artists.”
Filiz Aygündüz, the Editor-in-Chief of Milliyet Sanat, commented in her speech at the opening: “The ‘Converging Waters, Blossoming Hopes’ exhibition stands in a special place. In these days when we are going through quite difficult times, this exhibition itself provides an opportunity for psychological support through art by increasing our hope on the axis of nature and humans. Each work belonging to artists from different generations contributes by telling its own story in this sense. At the end of the time you spend here and through the relationship you establish with the works, I hope you will return to your homes with a little more hope.”
The exhibition can be visited free of charge until October 27.
The “Converging Waters, Blossoming Hopes” exhibition, for which Zuhal Şeker undertook the project consultancy, meets art lovers with the contributions of pioneering galleries such as Anna Laudel, x-ist, and Bozlu Art Project, as well as Galeri Nev Ankara and Galeri Nev Istanbul. The exhibition features works by Ahu Akgün, Aras Seddigh, Can Memişoğulları, Cem Sonel, Delal Eken, Dilara Başköylü, Dilara Göl, Ece Haskan, Gizem Ünlü, Merve Zeybek, Murat Palta, Nermin Er, Tuğçe Diri, Ertuğrul Güngör, and Faruk Ertekin.
