Vehbi Koç Foundation’s new exhibition space “Meşher” Open on Istiklal Street in September!
In its 50th anniversary, Vehbi Koç Foundation (VKV) is opening a new arts and cultural institution named “Meşher” on Istiklal Street in Meymenet Han, a landmark building. Meşher, which means “exhibition space” in Ottoman Turkish, will support new dialogues across times and cultures through comprehensive exhibitions on wide range of topics including historical research and contemporary art; and also event series such as workshops and conferences.
Exhibitions hosted by Meşher, which has a 500 square meter exhibition space and 75 square meter activity area, will be a reference point thanks to its extensive program stretching from Middle Ages to present day, its academic approach based on research, and its publications. Meşher will be open to visitors six days a week except Mondays with no entrance fee.
Study of contemporary ceramics focusing on myths, legends, and fables
Meşher will welcome its visitors with its first exhibition “Beyond the Vessel” curated by Catherine Milner in September 2019. This first exhibition is prepared in collaboration with Messums Wiltshire, an inspiring and reformer arts center in England. Focusing on myths, legends, and fables; the exhibition includes works of 13 artists. In the foreword of the exhibition catalogue, Ömer M. Koç, the Chair of the Koç Holding Board of Directors, wrote that “Because of my special interest in clay work when I first started collecting Iznik, Kütahya and Çanakkale tiles and ceramics at the end of the 90s, I am very glad that Meşher’s first exhibition ‘Beyond the Vessel’ constitutes a study of contemporary ceramic art with its pioneer artists. Taking into account the long history of clay and ceramic art in Turkey, I hope the fascinating works in this exhibition will inspire both young and prospective artists of the future generations working with ceramic.”
Meşher will provide an inspiring platform for dialogue
Bahattin Öztuncay, conducting exhibition and publication projects in the fields of arts and culture within the body of VKV for many years, became the director of this new exhibition space. Öztuncay noted that “We aim to provide an inspiring dialogue platform both in Turkey and abroad through national and international collaborations with experts and institutions; and through exhibitions that will be produced predominantly within the institution.”
Meşher’s first exhibition will be open to public from September 13 to December 22. Concurrently a publication will be prepared in Turkish and English which shares the same title of the exhibition.
Meşher: İstiklal Caddesi No: 211 34433 Beyoğlu İstanbul[VS1]
www.mesher.org
