Alanya Biennial 2025
The second edition of the Turkish Textile Biennial, themed “Wave Fabric,” has officially begun.
The second edition of the Turkish Textile Biennial, themed ‘Wave Fabric,’ has commenced in the coastal towns of Alanya and Gazipaşa. This important event merges art and history, with exhibitions held at the historic Kızılkule and Tersane—iconic landmarks in Alanya that attract art enthusiasts from around the region.
Curated by Nihat Özdal, the biennial will run until April 13. It is hosted by the Gazipaşa District Governorship and takes place in various historical sites within Gazipaşa and Alanya. Notable venues include the Selinus and Lamos Ancient Cities, the Yalan Dünya Cave, the Red Tower, the Alanya Shipyard, and the Syedra Ancient City.
Curator Nihat Özdal emphasized the critical relationship between textiles and water. He stated, “Every year, the textile sector consumes 93 billion cubic meters of water globally. Producing a single pair of jeans requires 10,000 cubic meters of water, while making a cotton T-shirt uses about 2,500 cubic meters. Additionally, 20 percent of global water pollution is attributed to the textile industry, and approximately 100 billion new textile products are introduced to the market each year.”
One of the featured artists in the biennial, Özge Kahraman, is a member of the Anatolian Speleology Group Association (ASPEG) and is exploring the physical, historical, and aesthetic dimensions of caves. This exhibition marks her first time showcasing her works in a cave setting. Kahraman expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Thanks to the biennial, this dream of mine has come true. My works are finally connecting with the audience in Yalan Dünya Cave. As someone who has explored caves throughout my life, I had always viewed them from the outside. This time, however, the cave itself became a integral part of the exhibition. It’s hard to describe the atmosphere, but it was an unforgettable experience to present my art in a space where I feel most at home.”
Artists and Events
The artists participating in the Biennial are as follows; Alison Carpenter-Hughes, Aluan Arguelles, Anil Onen, Asli Ozer, Bawer Doganay, Berfin Dolas, Betul Kotil, Busra Sahin Korkmaz, Caterina Roppo, Cengiz Tekin, Diana Orving, Dilara Baskoylu, Dora Moneti Faggin, Ecem Dilan Kose, Fatma Tuzluca, Filiz Otyam, Giselle Lucia Navarro, Guillermo Anselmo Vezzosi, Gozde Ju, Gulbahar Gumusten Celik, Habibe Sicim, Irmak Donduren, Ibrahim Ayhan, Ilhak Altiparmak, Irem Zeynep Duran, Irem Oyun, Loya Kader Ozturkmen, Maria Ortega, Marie-Claire Messouma Manlanbien, Mehtap Baydu, Merve Guc, Movana Chen, Onongua Enkhtur, Ozge Kahraman, Ozgur Ozcan, Polina Shcherbyna, Rongomai Kapiri-Marama Hoskins, Samuel Nnorom, Sezen Karahüseyin, Sibel Ediş, Tayyibe Benek, Thomas Jackson, Tina Marais, Tuğçe Tekhanlı, Umut Evers, Veronika Cherednychenko, Zeynep Çilek Çimen and Zsofia Majorosi.
During the biennial, a vibrant array of weaving workshops, captivating exhibitions, engaging performances, and thought-provoking panels will be showcased for art enthusiasts. Esteemed artists from diverse backgrounds will participate, each bringing unique perspectives to explore the profound role of textiles as vessels of stories and memories. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich narratives woven into each piece, uncovering the intricate connections between culture and personal experience through the art of textiles.
Among the artists featured in the biennial are American Thomas Jackson and Swedish artist Diana Orving. Jackson stated, “What I like to do is take man-made materials and place them in natural landscapes to make them imitate nature.” Orving expressed, “The themes I explore are centered on transformation, movement, and the flow of nature.”
The 2nd Turkish Textile Biennial will remain open to visitors until April 13.
Who is Curator Nihat Özdal?
Nihat Özdal is a multidisciplinary artist who focuses on the role of water, particularly rivers and ecosystems, in cultural and ecological memory. His exhibitions explore the intersections of archaeology, geography, and ecology, encouraging the audience to connect nature with art. In addition to his artistic efforts, Özdal is also a versatile writer known for his significant contributions to textile literature. His body of work includes several books that reference textiles, such as “Buttons,” “Skin,” “Scissors,” and “Fabric.”
Source: https://www.visitalanya.com/textile-biennial-alanya/