BASE, a platform showcasing the works of emerging artists from across Türkiye, returns for its 8th edition from November 27 to December 1, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Istanbul B Blok. Sponsored by Trendyol Art and hosted in collaboration with Bilgili Art, the event brings together 132 newly graduated artists representing 40 universities from 33 cities.
A Multidisciplinary Celebration of Art
BASE 2024 presents approximately 150 works across diverse disciplines, including painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture, video, new media, graphic design, and traditional Turkish arts. This year’s curatorial framework, led by Derya Yücel, revolves around the question, “What Does Art Do?” The event examines art’s universality, healing power, and impact on individuals, while providing a platform for emerging artists to share their unique perspectives.
BASELECTED: Bridging the Past and Present
In addition to featuring the works of 2024 graduates, BASE 2024 also hosts BASELECTED, a curated exhibition showcasing recent works by artists who participated in previous editions. This initiative strengthens dialogue and collaboration between young talents and professionals in the art world.
Highlights from the Exhibition
Çağla Öztürk – Büyük Dalga 2024
Bartın-born Çağla Öztürk’s installation reflects the current state of the Marmara Sea, blending dynamic watercolor waves on paper with colorful cutouts symbolizing waste. A graduate of Yeditepe University’s Plastic Arts and Painting Department, Öztürk draws inspiration from Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic The Great Wave to provoke dialogue about climate change and humanity’s impact on the environment.
Emel Serin – Koza
Kocaeli-born Emel Serin explores identity and societal pressures in her performance video Cocoon. The piece examines the individual’s struggle within the dichotomies of secular and conservative societal structures. Serin, a graduate of Yeditepe University, invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences, asking, “Do you feel trapped in a cocoon of societal expectations?” The work highlights the tension between awareness and response, reflecting both individual and collective struggles.
A Lens on Art and Society
BASE serves as a vital platform for understanding how emerging artists perceive art and its role in society. By showcasing personal experiences and addressing contemporary issues, the exhibition reveals the richness and boundaries of young artists’ creative processes.
Open to visitors free of charge, BASE 2024 offers an inspiring journey into the world of new-generation art. With its mission to foster dialogue between artists, professionals, and audiences, the event remains a significant cultural meeting point in Türkiye’s art scene.
