The exhibition From Inside Out: Stories from Bayburt Women, a collaborative project between artist and Baksı Museum founder Hüsamettin Koçan and a group of women from Bayburt, is on view until October 26 as part of the 12th Artweeks Istanbul. Proceeds from the sale of artworks will contribute to the construction of the Baksı Women’s Education Center in Bayburt.
Gönül Ayengin, Ayşenur Karadeniz, Mintaha Kardeş, Şeyma Özbek, Elif Gül Öztürk, Leyla Yanık, Mine Yanık, and Serpil Yanık—all from Bayburt. Some string beads, others crochet loops. Now, their handcrafts meet art in an exhibition that brings their stories to Istanbul audiences.
Curated by Dicle Beştaş, the exhibition—realized under the leadership of Koçan—can be visited between October 15–26 as part of Artweeks Akaretler. From Inside Out highlights not only art but also production, labor, and solidarity. The project follows Koçan’s 2024 solo show Gel Zaman Git Zaman (“Time Comes, Time Goes”), which explored the intersection of craft and contemporary art. The handcrafted pieces made by Bayburt women using bead weaving and crochet techniques merge with the artist’s interpretations, resulting in unique forms where the handmade essence is preserved without alteration.
Beyond aesthetics, the works carry profound social meaning: the proceeds will support the ongoing construction of the Hüsame Köklü Women’s Education Center in Bayburt. This volunteer-driven initiative aims to empower women through design and production, fostering their participation in social and economic life. Moreover, the center is envisioned as a pioneering model that could inspire similar projects across neighboring regions.
