The newly opened Ilgaz Yıldız Art Gallery in Madrid is poised to bridge the cultural gap between Türkiye and Spain, particularly in the realm of contemporary art. Inaugurated on September 11, this gallery is the first to exclusively showcase Turkish art in Spain, marking a significant milestone in cultural exchange.
Her inaugural exhibition, titled "When the Doors Open," features works from nine Turkish artists: Ilhan Altıparmak, Antonio Cosentino, Burcu Gökçek, Yonca Karakaş, Ecem Dilan Köse, Meltem Şahin, Gamze Yalcin, Halil Vurucuoğlu, and Studio Pinprick. The founder, Ilgaz Yıldız, emphasized her commitment to presenting artists inspired by Anatolia and those who reinterpret ancient techniques.
While the participating artists have international experience, none had previously exhibited in Spain. Yıldız noted that their relative anonymity in Spain could serve as both a challenge and an opportunity. The reception has been largely positive, with visitors expressing curiosity and surprise at the diverse techniques on display, especially in textiles and weaving.
The exhibition balances various dimensions, including age, gender, and artistic disciplines, showcasing everything from video art produced with new technologies to updated versions of classic weaving techniques. Yıldız, who transitioned from a career in engineering to art, aims to establish the gallery as a permanent fixture in Spain's art scene, relying on the support of the Turkish diaspora.