 The Bilkent University Art Gallery began its new season this past
week. Their first show is a collection of medium and large sized canvases by İnci
Çakmakçı, entitled "Bir Armağan Üzerine", or roughly translated,
"About a gift…." Filled with vivid, strong colors, I found the works to be
reminiscent of the joy, innocence and mirth of childhood. When asked what she meant by
"gift", the artist replied that nature itself is a gift. She continues to state
that if we live our lives aware of this, it will bring us happiness, and help us resist
our troubles.
I had the pleasure of talking to İnci Çakmakçı and she explained to me how she
developed her unique style. There was a time when she felt that the world we live in is
filled with so much negativity that she became somewhat of an introvert. She had been hurt
by the outside world and was happier living inside her head. But instead of finding angry
thoughts, she found stories filled with color and innocence. While in college she
discovered nature, which led to an interest in human beings. She began researching human
psychology, and from there moved on to philosophy. By getting to know other people, she
was able to discover more about herself. I find it amazing that she took all of the
negativity she felt earlier in life, and turned it into something so positive.
The delightful, colorful works that developed through the evolution of her understanding
put a smile on my face - a gift in itself. I'm sure it will do the same for you. Take the
opportunity to experience this show and do as İnci Çakmakçı states; resist troubles
and become more aware of the gifts life has to offer.
The Bilkent University Art Gallery is located in the Main Campus Library, and is open from
10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The show closes at the end of the
month. For information on upcoming events at the Gallery, simply check your Bilkent
e-mail, as updates are sent through the system to everyone.
Sera De Vor (AMER/III)
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