Bilal Yılmaz

Bilal Yılmaz’s kinetic light sculptures are just one of the many significant narrative techniques that have emerged from his years-long exploration of craftsmanship. Considering craftsmanship as the most organic connection to the past, Yılmaz focuses on creating an alphabet that represents the cultural identity of cities within the global cultural ecosystem. His Craft Maps project, which identifies craft workshops and establishes a comprehensive literature, continues to grow as a crucial cornerstone of this evolving alphabet.

Within this framework, Yılmaz’s research on Çini craftsmanship provides a platform for analyzing the technical and aesthetic elements, cultural-commercial interactions, and sociological aspects between the cities of Kütahya and Çanakkale.

Dating back to the early 17th century and produced until the 20th century, Çanakkale Ceramics differ from the İznik tile workshops, which primarily served the palace. Instead, like Kütahya ceramics, they evolved as authentic folk crafts shaped by the needs and identity of the community. From the 17th to the 20th century, red clay ceramics and underglaze-painted bowls, plates, bottles, oil lamps, canteens, and writing tools served as everyday functional objects. Decorative elements such as medallions, sailing ships, city and architectural depictions, wheel-of-fortune motifs, stylized flowers and trees, and organic forms of fish, giraffes, and birds provide insights into Çanakkale’s commercial development, architectural history, natural landscape, and social conditions.

By establishing a connection between Kütahya and Çanakkale, Bilal Yılmaz expands the craft archive with new perspectives. Using the latest narrative techniques, he presents his analysis and experiences to audiences, ensuring that cultural knowledge and records of interaction are preserved for the future.

The sound installation referencing the city of Çanakkale and its ceramic/tile workshops was designed by Zeynel Sağ. Spread throughout the space, the installation follows a futuristic approach while simultaneously embodying an updated version of the past. The work evokes production, labor, patience, the workshop experience, and the soul of the city, prompting reflection, remembrance, and an invitation to engage with this experience.

Consulting Curator: Ebru Nalan SÜLÜN