Sustainable Art Selection

The Milano chapter of Bilal Hakan Karakaya’s Invisible Cities series draws inspiration from the architectural aesthetics of the Duomo Cathedral, one of the city’s iconic structures, as well as Italo Calvino’s metaphorical narratives about cities. Layers formed through the principle of fullness and emptiness reinterpret the formal structure of the cathedral with a modern approach. The work reflects both the historical and cultural layers of the city, while inviting the viewer to question the boundaries of spatial perception.

These steel sheet compositions merge Milan’s Gothic heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Each layer abstractly expresses the architectural details of the cathedral, offering the viewer a holistic experience from different perspectives. This approach emphasizes that the Duomo Cathedral is not only a physical structure but also a story, an identity and a journey through time.

In the creation of this work, high-quality steel sheet plates from Tosyalı were used, and this collaboration has transformed into an innovative approach that combines the material’s technical possibilities with art. The durability and lightness of steel serve Karakaya’s conceptual expression while blurring the boundaries between industry and art. With this piece, Karakaya aims to make Milan’s "invisible" aspects visible, blending Calvino’s conceptual depth on cities with the power of industrial materials. It serves as a reminder that cities are not just made of stone and concrete, but also of history, imagination and human experience.

An Art Journey Through the Unity of Existence and the Laws of Attraction of the Universe

This work by Bilal Hakan Karakaya explores how the smallest particles of matter come together to form a universal whole. Inspired by the depths of the philosophy of Unity of Existence, it offers a perspective on understanding the existence of the universe. Each granule is conceived as a microscopic unit striving to contribute to a greater whole — each a reflection of this philosophical approach.

The laws of attraction also play a central role in this piece. Just as gravitational forces sustain the cosmic order of the universe, artistic expression brings components together through invisible bonds. The relationship established between granules and steel spheres is guided by a process shaped by artificial intelligence. At this point, AI becomes a platform where art and science converge, merging consciousness with the subconscious to give rise to a new form of creation.

The core theme of this work lies in examining the tendency of all beings in the universe to gravitate toward a central force—both from a physical and metaphysical perspective. Each element contributes meaning to the whole through its attraction to others, inviting the viewer to become a part of this cosmic dance.

Simurgh Quest

The pigeon sculptures formed using granules carry both an individual and universal meaning. Each pigeon, inspired by the philosophy of Unity of Existence, serves as a symbol of the fundamental unity of matter and the intrinsic interconnectedness of all things. While pigeons traditionally represent freedom and loyalty, their granule-formed bodies mirror the way cosmic particles are drawn together to form a cohesive whole.

This symbolic structure of the pigeons also establishes a strong connection with the mythology of the Simurgh. The Simurgh is a symbol of the mystery of existence and the arduous journey toward knowledge. According to the legend, all birds set out in search of the Simurgh, only to discover that the Simurgh was within each of them all along. As part of this journey, the pigeons represent both individual identity and universal unity.

Each pigeon sculpture reflects the existential quest of the Simurgh, and their granule-based bodies emphasize the idea that all beings in the universe come together to form a greater whole. This metaphorical connection between the pigeon and the Simurgh invites the viewer to embark on their own inner journey and to discover the transformative power of unity.

Created by Varol Topaç, with art consultancy by Dr. Nabat Garakhanova, CEO of Mezo Digital Art, and art assistance by Senem Özlü, the sculpture titled "Life" symbolizes human resilience, hope, and solidarity through its use of a rigid material. The main theme of the sculpture highlights the impact of natural disasters on human life and the strength of humanity to overcome such catastrophes.

The iron material represents resilience, while the forms of the sculpture symbolize the desire to overcome challenges and move forward. The design of the sculpture, with its fluid lines, reflects movement and dynamism. The form itself represents the power of society to unite and the importance of collaboration.

The piece was created in 20 days by a team of 10 people, using approximately 20,000 pieces of scrap steel, hooks, and eyelets from waste production materials, transforming them into a work of art through advanced recycling techniques.

As part of the Artist in Residence program, a collaboration between Contemporary Istanbul Foundation and Tosyalı Holding, five artists from diverse backgrounds came together to breathe new life into scrap and waste materials, transforming them into works of art.

The collection of works created by Artist in Residence participants Chiara de Rocchi, Emrullah Örünklü, Koray Tokdemir, Nermin Ülker, and Songül Girgin, based on the theme of advanced recycling, was showcased to art enthusiasts during the 17th edition of Contemporary Istanbul, held from September 17-22, 2022.

As part of the program, the artists visited Tosyalı Holding's facilities in Osmaniye, where they selected materials from discarded waste. They then took these materials to a studio in Maslak, specially prepared for the program, and transformed them into unique works of art.

You can watch the promotional video of our project, where five artists, who came together for a nature-respecting and sustainable lifestyle, transform metal into a new medium of expression.