The "Sofia-Istanbul: Art Bridge" exhibition, featuring works by Turkish artists, has opened its doors to visitors in Sofia.
Organized in collaboration with the Bulgarian Artists' Union, Enakor Auction House, and the municipalities of Oborishte and Sredets, the exhibition showcases the works of 24 Turkish painters and sculptors with ties to Bulgaria.
In his speech at the opening of the exhibition, Türkiye's Ambassador to Sofia, Mehmet Sait Uyanık, stated that Sofia and Istanbul are two centers that have always been in close interaction throughout history, inspiring art and artists with their historical and cultural beauties. He added, "This exhibition reveals not only the personal talents of our artists but also the friendship between Turkey and Bulgaria."
Uyanık, noting the rapid development of relations between the two countries in all areas, stated, "Diplomacy, economy, tourism, trade, transportation, and most importantly, our compatriots form the backbone of bilateral relations between Turkey and Bulgaria, while culture and art constitute the common spirit of our relations."
Yuliya Varbanova, one of the exhibition's curators, told AA that the exhibition will also be open to visitors in Istanbul next year.
Touching upon the exhibition's message, Varbanova said, "Our message is this: Neither religion, nor political affiliation, nor nationality. What unites people is art. In the complex world we live in, art is one of the strongest bridges built between societies."
Şevket Sönmez, who participated in the exhibition with his double-sided works titled "Screens," said that he used a special reflective material in his works and that a different image emerged when the photograph was taken with a flash.
Sönmez emphasized that the artworks, in the form of screens, can stand freely in the space, stating, "It was conceived both as a three-dimensional object and as a painting. When a viewer takes a photograph, the image reflected on their screen becomes part of the artwork."
The exhibition, which was attended by representatives of culture and art at its opening, will be open to visitors until January 3rd.
Source: https://t24.com.tr/haber/turkiye-den-24-sanatcinin-eseri-bulgaristan-da-sofya-istanbul-sanat-koprusu-sergisi-3-ocak-a-kadar-sanatseverleri-bekliyor,128124