Arkas Art Center opens “Window” exhibition to visitors
Arkas Art Center Unveils “Window in the Arkas Collection” Exhibition
Izmir, Turkey – Arkas Art Center has opened its doors to art enthusiasts with the captivating exhibition, “Window in the Arkas Collection.” Running until July 23rd, this exhibition delves into the intricate relationship between artists and the window motif, spanning from the 18th to the 20th century.
A Window into the Arkas Collection
The exhibition showcases an impressive collection of 90 artworks by renowned artists such as Jean Leon Gerome, Paul Signac, Bernard Buffet, John Atkinson Grimshaw, William Adolphe Bouguereau, Henri Le Sidaner, Jean Baptiste, Hoca Ali Rıza, Şevket Dağ, and many more. By juxtaposing works from diverse periods and styles, the exhibition explores the interplay of influences, convergences, divergences, and similarities in artistic interpretations of the window.
Izmir: A Hub for Art and Culture
At the exhibition’s opening ceremony, Arkas Chairman Lucien Arkas emphasized the significance of art in our lives, stating, “Art is good for you. Painting is the artist’s window to the world.” He highlighted the symbolic value of the window, which represents the gateway to our perception and imagination.
With a vision to transform Izmir into a thriving art center, Arkas announced plans to open new art spaces in the city. The Mattheys Mansion, currently undergoing restoration, will house a collection of Turkish carpets from the 16th to 18th centuries. Additionally, the former residence of Turkey’s first female orthodontist, Ayşe Mayda, will showcase works by Turkish artists from the Arkas collection.
Arkas Art Alaçatı, a collaborative project with Çeşme Municipality, will feature a permanent exhibition hall dedicated to Lucien Arkas and temporary exhibition spaces for contemporary art.
A Window to the World of Art
Exhibition Director Müjde Unustası explained that the window motif has long been a popular subject in art, symbolizing deep emotions such as hope, longing, and freedom. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the window as more than just an architectural element, but as a threshold to new perspectives and imaginative realms.
Curator Jean Luc Maeso highlighted the evolution of the window motif in art history, from the 18th century to the late 20th century. The window, with its role in perspective and symbolism, has served as a powerful tool for artists to construct aesthetic, poetic, and symbolic spaces.
Arkas Art Centers offer free admission to the public, providing an opportunity to experience a diverse range of artworks, from paintings and sculptures to carpets and glassworks.
