Exploring Art and Culture with Arkas in Izmir
Arkas Holding enriches Izmir’s cultural scene through five unique art centers. Arkas Art Alaçatı, showcasing Victor Vasarely’s collection and the New Lands exhibition, stands out as a vibrant addition to the city’s artistic landscape.
To share its art collection widely and host cultural events, Arkas Holding established five distinct centers. The journey began in 2011 with Arkas Art Center in Alsancak, housed in a restored section of the French Consulate. This venue has displayed masterpieces by renowned artists like Renoir, Picasso, and Vasarely, alongside Turkish pioneers such as Hoca Ali Rıza and Republic-era artists like Nejat Devrim. The Arkas Maritime History Center followed in 2012, offering a captivating narrative of maritime history from 3000 BC to the 20th century.
In 2020, Arkas Art Urla opened, featuring European artworks from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, antiques from royal dynasties, Renaissance tapestries, and Anatolian carpets. Arkas Art Bornova, launched in 2023, transformed the historic Mattheys Mansion into a showcase of rare Anatolian carpets from the 16th to 19th centuries. Most recently, Arkas Art Alaçatı opened in Çeşme, adding another gem to the cultural map.
Victor Vasarely: The Op Art Pioneer in Alaçatı
Arkas Art Alaçatı houses a permanent exhibit of Victor Vasarely’s works in the Lucien Arkas Exhibition Hall. Vasarely’s art was first brought to Turkey by Lucien Arkas, with the support of Pierre Vasarely. After a retrospective in Istanbul in 2017, the exhibition moved to Arkas Art Center in Izmir. The current selection, part of the Arkas Collection since 2018, includes Vasarely’s paintings, sculptures, and tapestries, highlighting the universal appeal of his geometric and colorful compositions.
Vasarely, the founder of the Op Art movement, drew on Bauhaus principles of functional aesthetics and interdisciplinary design. His optical illusions, based on meticulous geometric calculations and vibrant color theories, create a hypnotic visual experience. Vasarely institutionalized Op Art through manifestos and patented his “Plastic Alphabet” in 1959, aiming for a universal artistic language accessible to all.
Vasarely’s works are part of major collections worldwide, including the Tate and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The Arkas Collection features his early graphic works, experimental pieces influenced by Cubism, Futurism, and Surrealism, and his iconic Op Art creations. Notable additions include Aubusson tapestries, reflecting Vasarely’s vision of integrating art into everyday life. Some of his works are displayed beyond the gallery, in corridors and the Monreve Patisserie, creating a seamless blend of art and daily moments.
New Lands Exhibition: A Platform for Emerging Artists
Arkas Art Alaçatı’s inaugural temporary exhibition, New Lands, curated by Dr. Necmi Sönmez, highlights the creative potential of young artists. Designed with multifunctional spaces for exhibitions, workshops, and events, the center aims to foster a dynamic cultural environment.
New Lands brings together 155 artists under 40 from 29 private collections, featuring renowned names like David Shrigley, Alice Guittard, and Adam Vackar. Many works are being showcased in Turkey for the first time, with special contributions from the Antoine de Galbert Collection in Paris. Spanning various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, video, and site-specific installations, the exhibition offers a broad perspective on contemporary artistic trends.
