Painter Bilgin Çelik’s “Cosmic Journey” Exhibition Opened at Istanbul Gelişim Art Gallery

As part of the SATMER Art Events organized by the Istanbul Gelişim University Art and Design Application and Research Center (SATMER), painter Bilgin Çelik’s exhibition titled “Cosmic Journey” met art lovers at the Istanbul Gelisim Art Gallery. Curated by Asst. Prof. Mustafa Günay, Director of SATMER at Istanbul Gelisim University, the exhibition attracted significant interest from academic circles and art audiences. The opening ceremony was attended by Istanbul Gelişim University Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin, IGU Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli, academic and administrative staff, students, and many art enthusiasts from outside the university. The exhibition featured 50 works inspired by themes of space, consciousness, and the inner universe.

An Abstract Expressionist Narrative Language Observed in the Exhibition

The works displayed in the exhibition revealed that the artist adopted an abstract expressionist narrative language. Created with organic abstractions and fantastical imagery, the paintings featured forms evoking marine creatures, cosmic beings, and cellular structures.
It was noted that the works followed an approach distant from figurative representation, addressing themes related to nature, consciousness, and the inner world through a visual language.

Plans Announced for the Establishment of the Gelisim Art Museum

Delivering the opening speech of the exhibition, Istanbul Gelisim University Rector Prof. Dr. Bahri Şahin emphasized that Bilgin Çelik’s works, centered on the theme of space, possess a striking aesthetic depth.
Prof. Bahri Şahin also touched upon the Gelisim Art Museum project planned to be established within the university under the leadership of SATMER, stating that it is aimed to include one work from each exhibiting artist in the museum’s collection.

“I Want to Evoke Feelings, Not Explain”

Speaking at the exhibition, painter Bilgin Çelik stated that the core idea behind his works is “not to explain, but to evoke feelings,” and said:
“There are no clear figures or specific stories in my paintings. I mostly try to capture the shared flow of nature, emotions, and our inner world. I used colors and organic forms in an intuitive language. It is very valuable to me that each viewer can find a feeling or meaning of their own in these paintings.”

IGU Strengthens Its Active Role in Art and Culture

While inviting viewers on an intellectual journey between universal consciousness and inner discoveries, the “Cosmic Journey” exhibition once again made Istanbul Gelişim University’s active role in the field of art and culture visible.
Cultural and artistic events carried out under the leadership of SATMER continue to strengthen IGU’s vision of positioning art as an integral part of academic life.