Moderator: Prof. Burcu Pelvanoğlu (Mimar Sinan University – Department of Art History)
The lack of confidence that modernization in Turkey bore has also permeated the arts, and the art in Turkey was also marked out through this lack of self-confidence. Examining the texts of artists who put the history of fine arts in Turkey onto paper, especially those of Nurullah Berk, it is possible to observe a constant emphasis on the art in Turkey chronologically lagging behind the West. Another problematic point in these books, mostly written by artists, is the fact that until the 1950s, in Turkey, modern art was aimed to be described through groups/movements. However, any attempt at writing a comprehensive history of modern art in Turkey, would require the telling of stories, either through figure, or landscape, or women. Just like modernization having several symbols, the history of plastic arts in Turkey also advanced through symbols. First in the texts written by Nurullah Berk, and later, as the market was gradually formed, in the texts consisting of reiterations of Berk’s discourse, these symbols were ignored; positioning oneself where one desires to be, close to the art movements that one favours was preferred. This series of talks aims to initiate a discussion about the writing of art history, through its relationship with the nation-state; the position of women; the relationship of art and literature; the formation of canon; and the roles of museums.
The event is free of charge. Invitations available from the Akbank Sanat ticket office on the event day, one hour before the event begins.
“The Relationship between
the Writing of Art History and the Nation-State”
Doç. Dr. Zeynep Yasa Yaman
Akbank Sanat
22 November 2018|18:30
“Where are the Women in the Writing of Art History?”
Prof. Tomur Atagök
Akbank Sanat
20 December 2018|18:30
“Representation of Women in Contemporary Art”
Doç. Dr. Seda Yavuz
Akbank Sanat
24 January 2019|18:30
“Overlooked Relationships: Relationships of Art and Literature after 1950”
Doç. Dr. Seval Şahin - Dr. İnci Aydın Çolak
Akbank Sanat
28 February 2019|18:30
“Reading the 1980s: Relationships between Art and Politics”
Akbank Sanat
7 March 2019|18:30
“The Canon and Representation in Contemporary Art”
Dr. Osman Erden
Akbank Sanat
11 April 2019|18:30
“The Roles of Museums in the Writing of Art History”
Doç. Dr. Ayşe Köksal
Akbank Sanat
9 May 2019|18:30
Seminar Series on History of Art:
“Is Another History of Art Possible?”
November 2018 - May 2019