The "You Were Not There" exhibition, which opened in Rome, is captivating not only art lovers but also the global art scene with its powerful narrative that confronts history and memory. This exhibition, realized with the support of Yıldız Holding, adds a new chapter to the international visibility of Turkish contemporary art.
Ahmet Güneştekin's new solo exhibition, "You Were Not There," sponsored by Yıldız Holding and accompanied by curators Sergio Risaliti and Paola Marino, opened to the public on July 1st at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome, one of Italy's most established and respected art institutions. The works, comprising sculptures, videos, and installations, will be on view in a special installation spread across various sections of the museum until September 28th. Ahmet Güneştekin's "Alphabet Sarcophagi," donated to the museum on a permanent basis by Yıldız Holding, is exhibited in the large neoclassical hall that also houses Antonio Canova's masterpiece "Hercules and Lyca." This significant work has been incorporated into the permanent collection of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome, leaving a lasting cultural mark. Güneştekin's striking installation "You Were Not There," which gives the exhibition its name, is also displayed in the same hall. The work "Memory Hill," also featured in the exhibition, attracted attention. This monumental installation, created with thousands of rubber shoes, is located in the hall where classical war paintings are exhibited. As a carrier of collective memory, the work interprets the traces of the past through the lens of the present. The exhibition also includes Güneştekin's sculpture "The Seven-Eyed Sun." This work has been incorporated into the museum's permanent collection, further enhancing the artist's international visibility.
"Art doesn't just produce beauty; it also revives memory, values, and conscience."
Murat Ülker, a Yıldız Holding Board Member and Chairman of pladis and GODIVA, emphasized that Güneştekin's works touch collective memory through universal values. He said, "Art is humanity's timeless and common language; it is also a powerful way to reinterpret the traces of the past with today's questions. Ahmet Güneştekin's works come into play precisely at this juncture. The exhibition 'You Were Not There' touches our collective memory and confronts the viewer with challenging, thought-provoking questions. As Yıldız Holding, we always strive to keep the connection between art and society alive. Because art doesn't just produce beauty; it also revives memory, values, and conscience. We were delighted to donate Ahmet Bey's work 'Alphabet Sarcophagi' to the museum's permanent collection. This means respecting the past and leaving a legacy for the future. We believe that Turkish art should gain greater international visibility. This exhibition in Rome speaks to universal issues through Ahmet Bey's powerful artistic language, while also supporting Yıldız Holding's "This shows that it contributes to the transmission of this voice to the world," he said. "We are delighted to support our artists' global success."
Mehmet Tütüncü, Chairman and CEO of Yıldız Holding, expressed his joy in bringing the artists' achievements to the world stage through Güneştekin's new exhibition. He said, "Like the works Ahmet Güneştekin previously created specifically for our brands, the works in the 'You Weren't There' exhibition strikingly reflect the artist's power of expression and his approach to memory and humanity. In line with our 'Make Happy, Be Happy' approach, this exhibition, like the works by Güneştekin exhibited at our Çamlıca Campus, positions art not only as a form of aesthetic expression but also as a carrier of social development and collective memory. We continue this connection with art not only in Turkey but also in our offices in London and New York. We are proud to contribute to the international visibility of Turkish contemporary art by showcasing Ahmet Güneştekin's works in these offices while also providing space for the work of young Turkish artists. We hope that this exhibition in Rome will make a strong mark in the international art world." We believe it will leave a lasting impression. In line with our goal of connecting society with art, we will continue to bring our contemporary and traditional arts to a wide audience," he said.
Sponsored by Yıldız Holding and with logistical support from Arkas Holding, Güneştekin's "You Were Not There" exhibition, curated by Sergio Risaliti and Paola Marina and artistically directed by Angelo Bucarelli, was held at the opening of Ahmet Güneştekin's latest solo exhibition. Businesspeople such as Murat Ülker, Nezih Barut, Hamdi Akın, Fahrettin Ertik, Cem Hakko, Ali Sabancı, Fettah Tamince, Mehmet Tütüncü, and Agah Uğur, as well as numerous guests from the Italian business and art community, attended the opening.
Source: https://www.yenicaggazetesi.com.tr/ahmet-gunestekin-yoktunuz-ile-romayi-fethetti-dunya-muzesinde-turk-imzasi-930830h.htm