Contemporary Istanbul Foundation hosts 5 artists in collaboration with Tosyalı Holding through its Artist in Residence project
In the Artist in Residence Programme, 5 artists from different principles collaborate with the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation and Tosyalı Holding to create works of art by transforming selected scrap and waste materials.
Chiara de Rocchi, Emrullah Örünklü, Koray Tokdemir, Nermin Ülker, Songül Girgin, Emrullah Örünklü, Koray Tokdemir, Nermin Ülker and Songül Girgin, who took part in the Artist in Residence programme organized in collaboration with Tosyalı Holding, began their work with scraps in May. They focused on the theme of upcycling in the dedicated studio located in Maslak, İstanbul. Works from each artist's practice will be showcased at Tersane İstanbul during the 17th edition of Contemporary İstanbul from 17-22 September.
The materials selected from 27 tons of scrap turn into works of art
As part of the Artist in Residence programme, artists had the opportunity to explore Tosyalı Holding's facilities in Osmaniye and choose from a variety of waste materials that were no longer needed in the production areas. The scraps chosen at the factory were taken to the specially designated studio for artists in Maslak, İstanbul.
Collaborating to create a sustainable lifestyle that honors the environment, five artists will breathe new life into discarded materials through the practice of upcycling.
The artists involved in the program discussed their thoughts on Artist in Residence, which centers around upcycling: "I began creating upcycled artifacts last year using leftover metals from my own designs. Mastering the art of metalwork demands a deep sense of dedication and unwavering enthusiasm. Crafting pieces from discarded materials is a unique experience. I am confident that the Artist in Residence programme offered by the Contemporary Istanbul Foundation, which emphasizes upcycling, will elevate my understanding and exploration of metal and waste. I was very excited when I went to Tosyalı Holding's facility in Osmaniye to select waste. From the very beginning of my artistic journey, my focus has been on transforming the rigid nature of metal into a dynamic and flowing form. I have always strived to convey this through my own actions. With this program, you'll have a unique opportunity to shape metals into various forms, going beyond just disposing of waste. Aside from Tosyalı Holding's emphasis on upcycling in their metal production, I find it personally rewarding to create the designs I've been working on using various types of waste.” Chiara de Rocchi
This project allows metal to be used as a fresh form of artistic expression.
"It is a thrilling experience for everyone involved. The emphasis on sustainability by Tosyalı Holding and our visit to their facilities in Osmaniye greatly influenced the development of my sketches. The main focus of my work is to ensure that sustainability is integrated into every aspect of production at our facilities. The ability to fluently reproduce materials through transformation has also served as a valuable reference for the forms I aim to create in my sculpture. The process of converting metal back into sculpture form in a sustainable manner truly gives metal a fresh avenue for artistic expression. I will explore these elements in sculpture and bring them to life through my artwork.” Emrullah Örünklü
Metal, slag and different wastes will evolve into a work of art.
"The process of artwork production in my subjective art practice is based on a principle in which the work evolves with the material, is shaped by the process, and the process creates the final product. It is very important for me to spend time with the material during the formation process of the works and to ensure that the works evolve by making different experiments. It is very important for me to spend time with the material in the process of the formation of the works and to ensure the evolution of the works by making different experiments. It was incredibly beneficial for me to visit Tosyalı Holding's facilities in Osmaniye. I had the opportunity to witness the production processes, observe the scraps and wastes, and select materials directly from there. Now I will explore four different ideas using the materials we have selected. I am considering the combination of metal and organic materials, experimenting with various textures using slag and other materials. I am also exploring ways to incorporate small-scale wire and other waste materials, as well as larger plates, into my artwork. I am also eager and intrigued to witness the development of these ideas into a final product.” Koray Tokdemir
The working environment in Osmaniye inspired me while creating my work
Having grown up in a neighborhood near the Black Sea Ereğli Iron and Steel factory, I was always fascinated by the stories of the workers and their experiences. So, the opportunity to visit the interior of Tosyalı Holding's facilities filled me with excitement. While my artistic focus may appear to be on material-oriented works, I incorporate symbolic meanings through elements like color and geometric form. For the first time, I accepted this project with the wish that the material would take me somewhere. In my works, I meticulously focus on perfecting the source and paint, striving for perfection. I also find myself envisioning the sculptural postures of the defects in the waste materials found in the facilities.
The immense size of the melting pots and the intense flames within the factory, along with the scorching heat it emitted, transported me back to the vivid memories of my tumultuous childhood. I inevitably found myself putting myself in the shoes of the workers there. I am excited about bringing my works to life, where I explore the connection between Space-Human interaction and the employees, as well as the concept of Life-Death through the transformation of waste materials.” Nermin Ülker
"In the works I create in a geometric abstract style, my goal is to enhance the aesthetic connection between nature and humanity." Through my observations, I decipher the meanings behind the hues, shapes, and sounds of various living beings, ranging from plants to microscopic organisms. The sculpture I will create for this project is named Construction. I believe this concept is well-suited for the current era we find ourselves in. The work encompasses a fusion of two key elements that are well-suited for the current era of constant flux and evolution, where familiar aspects of our world are swiftly fading away. The construction in the form of a sub-grid symbolizes the unwavering commitment, unity, and hard work that goes into architecture. For this part, I have selected the color black, which, as described by Paul Klee, conveys a sense of depth and is frequently used in architecture and design. In the smooth form above, I highlight the adaptable, changeable, organic structure of steel, which is widely utilized globally and in various industries. I strive to enhance the concepts of strength, energy, and passion through the use of the color red. The two forms favored in the work also symbolize the transformation of metal from a liquid to a solid state.” Songül Girgin
