As we pass through challenging times marked by ecological imbalance, wars driven by power, political and economic crises, and global pandemics, we find ourselves increasingly distanced from unity on the very planet we’ve called home for centuries.
Our collective memory, shaped over generations and passed on through shared experiences, now functions as a repository—archiving these successive traumas. But is it possible to reverse the memory that stores these adversities? Can we create a chain in which goodness begets goodness, and pass this legacy on to future generations to build a “better place”?
Before we embark on this journey through the Collective “Memory” exhibition in search of those answers, I would like to introduce you to the Mina’s Children Project, initiated by the Turkish University Women’s Association (TÜKD) Istanbul Branch.
Established in memory of Mina Başaran and her ten friends who tragically passed away in recent years, this project supports the education of eleven outstanding young individuals each year. It is a deeply heartfelt initiative born from a collective desire to heal and transform grief into solidarity.
It is said that human memory suffers from forgetfulness. In order to feel joy, sorrow, or excitement, we must forget. In this sense, the brain is not only an organ for learning—but also for forgetting. But is our brain powerful enough to erase evil? Can we restructure our memory?
COLLECTIVE “MEMORY”
By grounding our collective memory in positive thoughts and shared narratives, we can shape a more humane and livable society.
Through unity, we can create a new world—one where painful memories are transformed and passed on with healing. At the heart of this world lies love and compassion, accompanied by values such as gender equality, reverence for nature, coexistence of diverse cultures, openness to innovation, passion for art, hunger for knowledge, and traditions born from unity.
Every person has the capacity to connect with others and contribute to a collective memory—as vast and rooted as a great tree.
When individuals are unable to recall a memory on their own, they turn to collective memory. During the preparation of this exhibition, a blend of intentional and serendipitous collaborations shaped the conceptual and emotional framework of the show.
Featuring works by eleven artists across painting, sculpture, installation, video, and data visualization, this interdisciplinary and polyphonic selection centers on the concept of collective memory and offers a profound encounter with the public.
Integrated with the memory of the exhibition space itself, these works invite visitors—this autumn—to co-create a hopeful, loving, and compassionate memory, believing that tomorrow can be better than today.
Curator: Ayça Okay
Artists: Pınar Akkurt, Ramazan Can, Fırat Engin, Leyla Emadi, Didem Erk, Mert Ege Köse, Ouchhh, Erdil Yaşaroğlu, Yiğit Yazıcı, Özmenoğlu, Mario Klingemann
