Online exhibit celebrates Turkish artists in UK

By Rabia Iclal Turan

ANKARA (AA) - A virtual art exhibit, to support Turkish artists in the UK, became available for online visitors on Wednesday.

The 3rd Annual Turkish Community Art Exhibition, organized by Yunus Emre Institute and Turkey’s Consulate in London, opened online due to coronavirus restrictions taken by the British government to curb the spread of the virus.

The jury, including Turkish artists Zeynep Iqbal, Nilay Islek, and Cevdet Akman, selected 88 art pieces of 51 artists, ranging from traditional to modern pieces, to be displayed in the exhibition.

A virtual opening ceremony was held with the attendance of Ambassador of Turkey to the UK Umit Yalcin, Turkish Consul General Bekir Utku Atahan, President of Yunus Emre Institute Seref Ates, Director of Yunus Emre Institute in London Mehmet Karakus, and some jury members.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Yalcin said the exhibit reflects the hope and strength of the Turkish community in the face of current hardships as well as the community's unwavering appreciation for art and culture.

Karakus said the exhibition was founded to encourage emerging and established artists of the UK-based Turkish community to form supportive networks among them as well as connect Turkish artists to art-seekers.

The exhibition will be available for online visitors until March 15 on the website of Yunus Emre Institute in London: https://yeelondon.org.uk/3rdturkishcommunityartexhibition.