British Artist Ian Berry's "Beyond Denim" Exhibition Opens at Kalyon Kültür
British artist Ian Berry's "Beyond Denim" exhibition, which brings together contemporary art with denim fabric for the first time, was launched at Kalyon Kültür. Known for his striking works, Berry showcases a wide range of his paintings and installations in this exhibition.Speaking to an AA reporter, Berry explained that he trained for a career in advertising 20 years ago, and shared the story behind creating art with denim. "Back then, I made a portrait of Tony Blair using different shades of newspaper clippings. During Easter, I went back to my family home, and I noticed my mother was cleaning out my wardrobe.''
''I was about to move to London. At that moment, I saw a pile of jeans, in different shades, that no longer fit me. I thought about donating them, but then I had the idea of cutting them up. It started as just something to have fun with. I thought about comparing techniques. My work at the time was a bit more like Banksy's, as I was really into street art. While cutting the jeans, I remembered the times I wore them, and that's when I realized my bond with denim, and started thinking about others' connections to denim as well. I thought it was a great idea. Denim turned out to be a great material for depicting both the good and bad sides of modern times."
Excited to Share His Work with Istanbul's Art Lovers
Berry emphasized that the exhibition includes works from different periods of his career. "There are different pieces in the exhibition. I've displayed 'Secret Garden' in various countries, and it has always adapted to the spaces where it was exhibited. I can hear the surprised reactions of people as they climb the stairs. I'm looking forward to Istanbul's art lovers seeing my work."
He also mentioned that he might add a piece inspired by Istanbul to the exhibition, and shared that he has been working on portraits of famous people using denim. "There are some exciting projects, but I don't want to say anything before they happen. I'm especially working on portraits of famous people using denim. My next stop, I think, will be San Francisco, known as one of the modern homes of denim fabric."
Art Heals Violence, Anger, and Conflict
Reyhan Kalyoncu, President of Kalyon Holding's Social and Cultural Affairs Committee, said that they strive to inspire young people by preserving historical and cultural values through their work at Kalyon Kültür. "We know that art heals violence, anger, and conflict. It brings together different identities and cultures in a common language and feeling. We invite everyone to explore the colorful and rich world of art at Kalyon Kültür."
The exhibition's curator, Aslı Bora, pointed out that Ian Berry is one of the first artists in the world to create artwork using denim fabric. "Ian Berry takes denim fabric from the very heart of the consumption mechanism and popular culture and offers a different realm of questioning," she said. Bora also quoted the German philosopher Theodor W. Adorno, who said, "Art is a tool for showing unseen truths," and added that within the scope of the "Beyond Denim" exhibition, various workshops will be held in line with international museum criteria and the theme of sustainability.
The exhibition, which opened at the historic Taş Konak in Nişantaşı, will be open to visitors until February 14, 2025.
