BRHD, which has kept a tradition of art alive for over half a century, met with art lovers this year at the Arı Culture and Arts Center with its 55th annual grand exhibition. Opening with a wide participation ranging from masters to young generations, the exhibition brought together the association's rich history with the energy of today. This gathering, held at Ankara's new cultural hub, the Arı Culture and Arts Center, reminded us of both BRHD's legacy and the light of art reaching into the future.
The 55th Anniversary Grand Exhibition of the United Painters and Sculptors Association (BRHD) carried the weight and tradition of its rich history of over half a century to the halls of the Arı Culture and Arts Center. As one of Turkey's oldest and largest artist organizations, BRHD, as in previous years, brought together artists of all ages under one roof at its annual grand exhibition. The exhibition, where the energy of young artists stood side-by-side with the accumulated experience of seasoned masters, clearly demonstrated how the association keeps its culture of intergenerational solidarity and production alive.
In the exhibition space, it was possible to see how BRHD's 55-year memory continues to this day. The excitement of young artists participating in a major exhibition for the first time, and the calm and self-assured demeanor of the association's long-standing members, once again revealed how this tradition is passed down from generation to generation. Resembling an aesthetic torch passed down through generations, bringing together artists of all ages, the exhibition allowed art lovers to see how each artist picked up where the previous one left off. BRHD's unwavering commitment since 1970, fueled by its ability to bring together the fresh perspectives of young artists and the seasoned labor of masters in the same space, showed viewers once again, as it has for 55 years.
Speaking at the opening, BRHD Board Chairman Süleyman Dündar stated that the exhibition was not only a gathering but also a space where the historical trajectory of the association was made visible again through contemporary productions, saying, “Today, we are celebrating creative courage, aesthetic pursuit, and the transformative power of art together.”
Süleyman Dodi Dündar: “Art is our light that resists time”
In his speech at the opening of the 55th Grand Exhibition, BRHD Board Chairman Süleyman Dodi Dündar described the association's journey of over half a century as "a testimony that continues with light and hope." Reminding that art is one of the most authentic forms of expression in humanity's search for existence, Dündar emphasized that BRHD has undertaken an important mission as both a carrier and interpreter of this search since its establishment.
When each generation looks into the mirror of its own time, it sees not only an aesthetic image; Dündar, stating that he saw the traces of an idea, a labor, and a belief, continued by saying that the 55th Anniversary Grand Exhibition is a special turning point where these traces are interconnected:
“This exhibition is a stop where the experience of the past meets the hopes of the future. The members of our association have shown great solidarity and productivity in this journey spanning over half a century. We owe them a debt of gratitude. We believe that in a world where the field of art is increasingly narrowing, it is still a form of hope and resistance; because art reminds people of both themselves and others, and spreads the language of beauty and conscience to the world.”
Dündar stated that the pioneering artists who played a role in the association's founding in 1970 lit a light that continues to shine today by choosing to carry the culture of a nation in the spirit of the times. He noted that this light continues to burn with the same determination despite all the negativity in the country, adding, "The essence of art is hidden in that human vibration that resists time."
In his speech, Dündar emphasized that art spaces are not merely areas where works are exhibited; they are places where shared memory, sensitivity, and thought blossom. He stated that the Arı Culture and Art Center is a significant breath of fresh air for Ankara in this respect. Dündar said that the center provides space for both the sharing of contemporary art and the productivity of artists, and thanked Sıtkı Alp, the founder of Arı Educational Institutions, and the institution's administrators for this contribution, adding:
"Thanks to this support, our exhibition is no longer just an exhibition; it is transforming into a meeting where art, education, and human consciousness are re-molded in the same crucible. We are grateful to all our friends who contributed to the preparation process, the unsung heroes of our association."
Dündar concluded his speech by emphasizing that they will continue to walk the path of modernity indicated by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, placing art at the center of life: “With art, with light, with hope…”
At the opening, thanks were extended to all institutions and individuals who supported the preparation of the exhibition; special thanks were given to Atis Fuarcılık for their contribution to the arrangement of the exhibition space and to the artist Selvi İlhan, who designed the award statuette.
Artist Honorary Awards Find Their Recipients
Following the opening speeches, the program continued with the BRHD's 55th Anniversary Artist Honorary Awards ceremony.
Artists who have contributed to the association's history spanning more than half a century were honored this year in a special ceremony. The awards were presented to their recipients with applause.
Güzin Arısoy and Ataç Elalmış Receive Artist Honorary Awards
Güzin Arısoy, who received her award from Tuğrul Velidedeoğlu, stated that she respectfully remembered the founding members, adding, “It was a great honor for me to receive this award from Mr. Tuğrul.”
Arısoy also thanked Selvi İlhan, the ceramic artist who designed the award.
Ataç Elalmış, who received his award from Bilgin Aygül, expressed his gratitude to the BRHD management and all the artists in his short thank-you speech, saying, "It is a great honor for us."
Artist Honorary Award for Muhteber Demirtaş
Muhteber Demirtaş, who received the award from Ahmet Yeşil, the Director of the Arı Culture and Arts Center, drew attention to the anniversary of women's rights in her speech, saying, "As a woman, receiving this award today is especially meaningful for me."
Ahmet Yeşil: "A proud collaboration for the very young Arı Culture and Arts Center"
Speaking at the ceremony, Ahmet Yeşil, the Director of the Arı Culture and Arts Center, stated that the center is only six months old and that being alongside a well-established association like BRHD is a great source of pride for them, saying, "It is very difficult to maintain the youth and dynamism of the first day for fifty-five years. Seeing the strength of BRHD here is a great joy for us."
Yeşil, recalling that culture, art, and sports have always been considered an inseparable part of Arı Education Institutions' educational journey since 1969, said, "This strong cultural heritage of the Arı tradition has transformed into a roof where our artists meet here today."
Stating that the Arı Culture and Arts Center, established this year, is not just an exhibition space, Yeşil emphasized that it has emerged as a structure that carries Ankara's cultural heritage into the future, supports young artists, and prioritizes multifaceted production. Saying that art is the product of years of accumulated experience, Yeşil added, "Culture is a concept that grows and lives only through the right efforts, by coming together with good people, and by supporting quality work."
Yeşil, underlining that Atatürk's goal of raising the Republic above the level of contemporary civilization is still a guiding principle today, continued as follows:
“It is both exciting and a source of pride for us that this major exhibition of BRHD, which has dedicated decades to the cultural and artistic life of our country and shared its expertise with younger generations, is coming to life at the Arı Culture and Art Center. This hosting also aligns with the founding mission of Arı Educational Institutions; because here, while meeting with our artists, we also see that our contribution to culture is based on a solid foundation.”
The 55th Anniversary Outstanding Service Award was given to Orhan Yıldız
The BRHD's 55th Anniversary Outstanding Service Award was given to Orhan Yıldız, who has contributed to Turkish culture and art life for many years. Mehmet Ali Doğan presented the award.
Yıldız's contributions to the association and the country's cultural life, both during his years of service at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and after his retirement, were highlighted.
“May the exhibition be inspiring and enjoyable”
Süleyman Dündar concluded his speech by thanking the association elders, all members, representatives of the Arı Culture and Art Center, and all art lovers who contributed to the preparation of the exhibition:
“I hope this exhibition will be inspiring and enjoyable for all of us.”
Sibel Ünalan: “New venue, smaller works, but great excitement”
BRHD Board Member and artist Sibel Ünalan, in her assessment of the exhibition, explained that the change of venue also affected their working methods. Ünalan recalled that they had held their exhibitions at the Contemporary Arts Center for years, and therefore it was possible to produce large-scale paintings and exhibit them comfortably. However, with their move to the Arı Culture Center this year, the space limitations in the venue led artists to work on smaller-scale pieces.
Despite this, Ünalan emphasized that an extremely meticulous installation emerged, and stated that the flexible opportunities provided by the center's administrators both facilitated the process and allowed them to develop a more creative hanging arrangement. Stating that the BRHD exhibitions, held annually, are of great importance to them, Ünalan shared her satisfaction, saying, “Thanks to both the interest shown to us by the management and their enthusiasm for this work, a very enjoyable exhibition emerged.”
Reporter: Nur Yıldız
Source: https://www.24saatgazetesi.com/yarim-asri-asan-sanat-yolculugu-brhdnin-55-geleneksel-buyuk-sergisi-ari-kultur-sanat-merkezinde