A group of graduates from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University’s Painting Department have opened a group exhibition titled Zaaf (“Weakness”) at Aynalıgeçit Gallery in Beyoğlu. The exhibition can be viewed until November 13.
A collective of young artists from MSGSÜ’s Painting Department are taking their first independent step into the art world with Zaaf, a self-initiated project. The exhibition explores each artist’s process of confronting and reflecting their own weaknesses through painting. Organized by Ergi Vardar and Yaren Aycı, the show features works by Asya Nur Hasgül, Batuhan Daşdemir, Ergi Vardar, Hüseyin Çubuk, Kerim Tıp, Özgüç Umut Çelen, Seden Göv, Semra Çelik, Yaren Aycı, and Yusuf Peçe.
The exhibition’s concept revolves around the pursuit of an authentic artistic language and the act of acknowledging human vulnerability. The artists view creation as a means of reconciling with one’s own weaknesses, arguing that the recognition of fragility can become a source of creative strength.
Human Weaknesses
Describing the project, curators Ergi Vardar and Yaren Aycı state:
“The exhibition reveals both personal and societal weaknesses, along with the consequences they bring. Painting, producing out of the need for expression—and doing so with persistence and without expectation of gain—is the artist’s most genuine weakness. We believe that an artist’s effort to find a visual language transforms into sincerity when they accept their flaws. Weaknesses are often denied in vain; yet acknowledging them brings freedom. As expressed in the exhibition text: Creation constantly reflects an artist’s weaknesses back at them, convincing them that the idea of winning or losing is meaningless. To search, to hold on, to dig deeper with a familiar weakness becomes the truest artistic drive—and so, we paint.”
The Power of Independence
Discussing the significance of organizing Zaaf independently, they add:
“Realizing this show without institutional backing stemmed from the fact that the current art market remains hesitant to give space to newly graduated artists. Each of us has a different artistic journey—some have already worked with galleries or held solo exhibitions. We long for a new era where we can support one another, showcase our works independently, and make art more accessible. We hope to increase and eventually establish these independent exhibitions as a tradition.”
Since some artists prefer thematic work while others avoid it, the title Zaaf offered a unifying and liberating concept for all.
The exhibition represents the first joint initiative by these young artists, embodying the energy of collaboration and their commitment to sustaining independent production. The show is on view at Aynalıgeçit Gallery, located in the historic Avrupa Passage of Galatasaray, Beyoğlu, until November 13.
