An Exhibition Bridging Art and Academia: ‘DAİMİ YOLCU’
The exhibition ‘Daimi Yolcu’, featuring works by 10 artists, designers, and performers from the Faculty of Fine Arts, has opened its doors to art enthusiasts at Decollage Art Space.
Curated by Prof. Dr. Marcus Graf, the exhibition will be open to visitors until April 13.
The ‘Daimi Yolcu’ exhibition showcases works by 10 artists, designers, and performers who produce in the fields of art, design, and theater while also working as research assistants at Yeditepe University’s Faculty of Fine Arts.
This exhibition not only presents the artists’ latest works alongside their academic research and contributions within the faculty, but also explores the age of transformation and its impact on both individual and collective existence. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with artists' personal notes, projects, and academic writings, all brought together in a single space.
RECTOR DURMAN: ART ENHANCES HEALTHY INTERACTION
Attending the opening of the exhibition, Yeditepe University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman shared his thoughts:
"We are delighted to inaugurate yet another remarkable exhibition at our university. The exhibition is incredibly rich in content. When it was first announced, a few aspects caught my attention. First, the visuals are stunning. They evoke deep emotions and spark curiosity, which is highly commendable. Second, the title: ‘Daimi Yolcu.’ I found it extremely intriguing and meaningful.
Art is a crucial pillar of our university, and it should be. Although I come from an engineering background, I have always believed that art faculties are essential in universities. Art plays a significant role in conveying messages to society and fostering aesthetic values. One of its most powerful aspects is how it evokes deep aesthetic emotions, which in turn enhances interaction and communication within the university environment."”
DEAN KAYA: MAKING THE ARTIST BEHIND THE ACADEMIC VISIBLE
Highlighting that the exhibition consists of works created by research assistants, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Prof. Dr. Gülveli Kaya, stated:
"At the Faculty of Fine Arts, we have a core philosophy: Our academics should also be independent artists—creating and sharing their work with the public. That means exhibiting their works and staging performances. Through exhibitions like this, we aim to make the artists behind the academic identities visible.
At the same time, we seek to emphasize that our faculty is a cultural institution that shapes not only the university but also the city and the country. This exhibition brings together the independent artistic productions of our research assistants, developed in parallel with their academic studies."”
CURATOR GRAF: YOUNG DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS ARE CONSTANTLY PAVING NEW PATHS
Explaining how the name ‘Daimi Yolcu’ was inspired by the 10 artists, Prof. Dr. Marcus Graf, Head of the Art and Cultural Management Department and curator of the exhibition, shared:
"The 10 artists, designers, and performers featured here are all at the beginning of their careers. Artists typically do not follow a straight, well-trodden path. Instead, they venture into the unknown, exploring new ideas and concepts.
In our daily lives, we may not always be willing to step off the familiar path. We might avoid going beyond what is known, staying within our comfort zones. But young designers and artists constantly create new paths. This is what makes this exhibition so inspiring for viewers.
Life itself is a journey—and a path. This path is rarely straightforward. As educators, we have reached a certain point, but our journey continues. The title ‘Daimi Yolcu’ reflects a shared concept in both art and life itself.".”
VICE DEAN BÜYÜKARMAN: ART IS ABOUT SHARING
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlem Mutaf Büyükarman, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, shared her perspective on the exhibition:
"At the Faculty of Fine Arts, we witness our research assistants' ongoing artistic journey. Being an academic is a journey—a lifelong process of learning and teaching.
Our faculty members are not only creating art but also continuously learning and sharing their knowledge. This exhibition presents a beautiful, interdisciplinary showcase of their work."”
VIKTORIA ŞAHİN: A YOUNG AND DYNAMIC EXHIBITION
Founder of Decollage Art Space, Viktoria Şahin, shared how her collaboration with Prof. Dr. Marcus Graf led to the exhibition:
"I first met Prof. Dr. Graf when he served as a jury member in another exhibition. Later, we discussed organizing a new exhibition together.
With Yeditepe University, we developed an incredible project. The participating artists are all young talents, and the 10 artists showcased remarkable works. This exhibition is young, fresh, and full of energy."*.”
Artists Featured in ‘Daimi Yolcu’ Exhibition:
Arzu Ocak, Atılay Aşkaroğlu, Bike Başaran, Cansu Canaslan, Furkan Uzun, Gökçe Camgöz, Işıl Eraslan, Kemal Köse, Yağızhan Çalışkan, and Zeynep Sarı.