An Artistic Journey from Past to Present: “A Touch of the Past 2” Exhibition Opens at Istanbul Gelisim Art Gallery

Istanbul Gelisim University continues to host cultural and arts events where art meets academia. As part of this tradition, the solo painting exhibition titled "A Touch of the Past 2" (Geçmişe Dokunuş 2) by Prof. İsmail Keskin, Chair of the Graphic Design Department and faculty member at Kocaeli University Faculty of Fine Arts, has opened to a large audience at Istanbul Gelisim Art Gallery, organized in collaboration between Istanbul Gelisim University’s Center for Art and Design (SATMER) and the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA). The opening ceremony was attended by important figures from the art world and numerous art lovers, including IGU FFA Dean Prof. Şükran Güzin Ilıcak Aydınalp, SATMER Director Asst. Prof. Mustafa Günay, renowned painter Basri Erdem, vice deans, academics, and students. As curator Prof. İsmet Çavuşoğlu was abroad and unable to attend the opening, the curatorial address was delivered by Prof. Metin Kuş.

The Artist's Relationship with Memory and Time Highlighted

Beginning his remarks with a reference to the artist's academic and artistic background, Prof. Metin Kuş noted that Prof. İsmail Keskin holds an important place in Turkish graphic arts and original printmaking, and stated:

“Prof. Keskin pursued his art studies in Germany after his education at Marmara University, and has produced significant work particularly in the fields of lithography, illustration, and experimental photography. When we look at his works today, we see not merely technical mastery, but a powerful narrative language that interrogates memory, time, and the emotional relationship human beings have with their past. In Keskin's works, the layered narrative possibilities of the printmaking discipline come together with painterly sensibility. The artist reinterprets traces from the past, inviting the viewer to reflect on memory, time, and the impressions that life leaves behind.”

“Art Must Exist within Life”

Taking the floor at the opening, Prof. İsmail Keskin drew attention to the investments Istanbul Gelisim University has made in the arts and thanked the university management and SATMER.

Noting that Istanbul Gelisim University has been making its mark in cultural and arts projects in recent years, Keskin stated:

“I believe that art in universities must exist not only in classrooms, but within life itself. Istanbul Gelisim University, through the exhibitions, workshops, talks, and international projects it carries out via SATMER, is presenting one of the successful examples of this approach. I think this support for art and artists is extremely valuable.”

The artist also shared his thoughts on the formation of the works in the exhibition, noting that his works address particularly memory, time, urban culture, and the relationship human beings have with their past. Keskin continued:

“For years I have been working on original printmaking, lithography, and various experimental techniques. One of the most important characteristics of printmaking is that the layers formed on the surface make the sense of time visible. In the works featured in this exhibition, I have tried to reinterpret traces, memories, and lived experiences from the past through a contemporary aesthetic sensibility. The linear richness offered by the lithographic technique, the textural variety, and the impressions left by the printing process form the basic character of my works. For me, art is not simply about preserving the past, but about rethinking it and being able to bring it into encounter with people of today. If a viewer can find a trace of their own life in the works, and take a brief journey toward their own memories, then a work that has achieved its purpose has come into being.”

“The Work Carried Out by SATMER Makes Important Contributions to Urban Culture”

Renowned painter Basri Erdem, who also spoke at the opening, noted that he closely follows the artistic activities taking place at Istanbul Gelisim University and expressed his appreciation for the university's vision in the arts.

Erdem stated: "I follow the exhibitions, workshops, and art events taking place at Istanbul Gelisim University in recent years with great interest. The work carried out by SATMER makes important contributions not only to university students but also to urban culture and artistic circles. Making art visible, and bringing young artists and masters together on the same platform, is extremely valuable."

Strong Interest from Art Lovers

Following the speeches, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the "A Touch of the Past 2" exhibition. After the opening, art lovers had the opportunity to tour the exhibition space and examine the works up close. Prof. İsmail Keskin provided visitors with detailed information about the processes through which his works were created, the techniques he uses, and the conceptual approaches he explores in his work.

The exhibition, which has attracted strong interest, invites viewers to reflect on the concepts of past, memory, and time through a selection of the artist's original printmaking, lithography, and painting works. Prof. İsmail Keskin's solo painting exhibition "A Touch of the Past 2" will be open to art lovers at Istanbul Gelisim Art Gallery until June 19.