Material: Ecosystems

Contemporary Art and Ecological Experiments (Production Workshop for Artists)

“Material: Ecosystems”

Facilitator: Eda Şarman

Date: November 24-27, 2025

Time: 19:00 - 21:00

Soil, water, and air cannot exist independently; their interactions form the cyclical systems that sustain nature. These relationships, which allow us to perceive nature as a whole, are among the main sources of inspiration for ecological art. This workshop, informed by the perspective of deep ecology, invites participants to reflect on the permeability of materials and the interwoven nature of ecosystems. Participants will explore the interdependence and mutual influences found in nature and relate these dynamics to their own artistic production, observing nature as a guide for new ways of making.

Eda Şarman focuses on the Earth as a shared ground in her practice. She observes nature as a guide and seeks connections between what she learns from it and social dynamics. Grounded in bodily perception, she intertwines her observations with technology, exploring ways to sense and understand the rhythms that surround us. Şarman approaches entanglement as a reflection of our interconnected and interdependent existence, developing ways to perceive ecosystems as tangible and philosophy as a form of practice. Through her inherently experimental approach, she transforms her observations of the Earth into living organisms, employing diverse techniques in search of new materials.

* This workshop is designed for participants who work with or aim to begin exploring themes of nature and ecology in their artistic practice. Regular attendance is expected throughout the program. Participation is free of charge and limited to 15 people.

* To join the program, please fill out the pre-registration form via the “Register” button on the page. Registration will open one week before the first session (November 17, 2025, 19:00) and the “Register” button will become accessible on that date. During pre-registration, applicants are expected to include a minimum 50-word statement describing their artistic practice, their relationship with nature, and their motivation for attending. Applications will be reviewed, and selected participants will receive invitations via email.

Workshop Schedule

- Monday, November 24, 2025 / 19:00-21:00 / On Production and Material (Online)

In this session, the artist will share her production practices and discuss ecosystems as material, focusing on natural cycles and examples of permeability and interconnection.

- Tuesday, November 25, 2025 / 19:00-21:00 / Concepts and Production Process for Participants (Online)

Participants will present how they position natural cycles in their artistic practices, sharing their conceptual approaches while discussing layers of deep ecology in art.

- Wednesday, November 26, 2025 / 19:00-21:00 / Potentials of the Material (Online)

This session explores the expressive potential of entanglement in nature through concepts such as permeability, cyclicality, performativity, and fluidity, considering regenerative artistic approaches.

- Thursday, November 27, 2025 / 19:00-21:00 / On Exhibition Practices (Online)

This final session discusses exhibition and sharing methods for ecosystem-based works. Participants will share outcomes and reflect on diverse forms of presentation.