The “Two Brushes, One Harmony” illumination exhibition, featuring works by Ayşe Gülcan Özbalak and Zeynep Üstün, has opened to visitors at the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce’s (İTO) Yeni Cami Hünkar Pavilion.
Illumination, one of the important branches of traditional Turkish and Islamic arts, is a fine decorative art used in various works, particularly manuscripts.
Bringing tradition together with the present
Speaking at the opening, İTO Chairman of the Board Şekib Avdagiç said the main purpose of exhibitions held at Hünkar Pavilion was to bring tradition together with the present and pass it on to new generations. Avdagiç said the “Two Brushes, One Harmony” exhibition held an important place among these events.
Avdagiç said the art of illumination required patience and effort, adding that it reminded people of the value of patience and slowing down in the face of fast-paced and uncontrolled modern life. He also described the artists’ works as examples of this patience and effort.
İTO Assembly Chairman Erhan Erken said Hünkar Pavilion hosted important artistic events. Drawing attention to the importance of traditional arts, Erken said the word illumination was of Arabic origin and meant decorating with gold.
Artists highlight the art of illumination
Illumination artist Ayşe Gülcan Özbalak expressed her satisfaction with the opening of the exhibition. Özbalak said illumination held a special place among traditional arts, adding that it involved a long learning process based on the teacher-student relationship and that her teachers had made significant contributions to her work.
Özbalak said they had shown great patience and effort while preparing the works and that the process had also been enjoyable. She expressed her hope that visitors would experience the same beauty at the exhibition.
Illumination artist Zeynep Üstün said she hoped the exhibition would leave lasting traces in the art of illumination. Üstün said illumination was an art inherited from the past and that they were pleased to present this heritage to art lovers at a valuable venue.
Üstün said illumination was an example of refinement and elegance, adding that she hoped their works would convey the value of this art to visitors. The exhibition can be visited until September 30.
