September 2024 – Literature, Culture & Art Program

LITERATURE

• Elizabeth Gaskell, North and South
• Octavio Paz, The Labyrinth of Solitude
• Italo Calvino, Invisible Cities
• Horace Walpole, The Castle of Otranto

BOOK CORNER

Let’s get ready for an unforgettable adventure by pushing the boundaries of imagination, delving into emotional depths, and journeying to different worlds through this month’s book recommendations…

This month, we immerse ourselves in Elizabeth Gaskell’s poignant world, Octavio Paz’s dreamlike journey, Italo Calvino’s enchanting narrative, and Horace Walpole’s mysterious atmosphere. These books, each offering their own charm and texture, will provide an emotional journey and intellectual exploration. Are you ready to explore these books to discover your inner world, gain different perspectives, and open doors to new experiences?

“We had thought that only good characters could belong to the wealthy classes…”

Highlighting Elizabeth Gaskell’s warm touch, North and South helps us explore class differences, human conditions, and hope. Through characters, Gaskell shows us different aspects of life, drawing us into an emotional story. By reading this book, which has also been adapted for television, you can gain new perspectives on human depths and societal relationships.

“Loneliness is a silent space where one confronts oneself.”

Paz’s words take the reader into deep contemplation, shedding light on the concept of loneliness from a different perspective and illuminating the inner world of humanity. Paz’s book The Labyrinth of Solitude offers an inspiring reading experience for anyone wishing to explore the meanings behind silences.

“Perhaps we are approaching a crisis point in city life, and ‘Invisible Cities’ is a dream born from the heart of cities rendered uninhabitable.”

Invisible Cities,  distinguished by Italo Calvino’s enchanting narrative, focuses on the enjoyable conversations that take place between Marco Polo and Kublai Khan during their chess games. The narrative unfolds through inspiring dialogues revolving around Marco Polo’s travels. This book immerses the reader in a different world, expanding their imagination and skillfully blending reality with fantastical elements. Positioned as a literary masterpiece in the genre of fantasy fiction, “Invisible Cities” holds a valuable place. By reading the book, you will have a unique reading experience and explore the boundaries of your imagination.

“Fear wandering among shadows is like a ghost haunting helpless souls.”

The Castle of Otranto stands out as a work of importance in literary history, laying the foundation for gothic literature. The novel, actually harboring the genesis and initial examples of gothic fiction, possesses a rich literary heritage. The atmosphere created by Horace Walpole, filled with mystery and supernatural elements, carries readers on a dark and chilling journey. “The Castle of Otranto” presents emotional depth, mystery, and excitement all in one. Therefore, I would like to emphasize that it offers an important reading experience for literature enthusiasts, contributes to the development of gothic literature, and draws readers into an engaging story. If you wish to embark on a literary journey and explore a different genre, you must read this novel…

Wishing everyone happy reading…

CONCERTS

• Kiev-based electronic music duo ARTBAT will deliver an unforgettable performance in techno and house genres at KüçükÇiftlik Park in Istanbul on September 20th!

• Italian-American DJ Anyma will meet fans on September 28th at Istanbul Ataköy Marina with his nostalgic and atmospheric sound that captivates attention.

• Argentine musician, composer, and producer Gustavo Santaolalla, who holds an Oscar for Best Film Music with films like “Brokeback Mountain” and “Babel” and known for his influential sounds in Latin rock and world music, will offer a unique music experience with acoustic instruments on October 1st at Zorlu PSM – Turkcell Stage.

• German DJ and producer Sam Shure will enchant the audience with an energetic performance at Blind on saturday night, September 21st. Known for his energetic sets, Shure will continue to create unforgettable moments in the electronic scene.

MUSIC DISCOVERY

• Nebi Birgi, HİÇ
• Serkan Niyaz Ciner, Artık Kalsak Ya Baş Başa
• Halsey, Lonely is the Muse
• Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Die with a Smile

FESTIVAL

• The Rooftop Festival, continuing to establish itself as a classic in Istanbul, will take place on September 21st. Throughout the day, the festival offers the opportunity to experience various rooftops with a single ticket. Alongside performances by many local and international famous artists, creative workshops, signature cocktails, and special delicacies will provide participants with unforgettable moments.

• The Istanbul Fringe Festival, a festival held at various locations in the city since 2019, will run from September 13th to 21st this year. Bringing together alternative and innovative performing arts works from Turkey, the festival will offer inspiring experiences to art lovers.

• Swissotel The Bosphorus Sultanpark’s Chalet Garden is preparing to host the Festibağ Festival on September 21st and 22nd. Participants will accumulate unforgettable memories in a pleasant atmosphere where music, art, and flavors converge.

• The Rixos Tersane Istanbul Rowing Festival awaits participants from September 19th to 22nd with an exciting program. In addition to rowing races, the event will be enriched with various experiences, shows, and magnificent concerts on a stage set up on the water.

THEATRE

• The award-winning play The Diva Musical, which tells the touching and ups-and-downs story of a diva chasing Broadway dreams, will meet the audience at Istanbul Dada Salon Kabarett on September 18th, led by the unique voice and performance of Nebi Birgi!

• Lev Tolstoy’s novel Anna Karenina, also chosen as the best novel in history by 125 different authors, will be on stage with Pray Theatre at the Mecidiyeköy Private Theatres Association Stage on September 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 12th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, and 24th.

• Afife, a contemporary interpretation of a rebellion against the order that prohibits women from being on stage and in the spotlight, will be presented by Afife Theatre in partnership with Zorlu PSM on September 15th at Zorlu PSM Turkcell Stage!

• Şener Şen will present his magnificent performance in the play Zengin Mutfağı on September 16th at Maximum Uniq Hall Open-Air Venue!

• The romantic play Mağrur Fil Ölüleri bringing the spirit of the 70s to the stage by Semaver Company, will be on stage at Zorlu PSM Turkcell Platinum Stage on September 18th.

EXHIBITIONS

• Artist Jackie Matisse, known for her kites and remembered for her Rainbow [Arc-en-Ciel, 1983] piece displayed on the front facade of the Arter building where she flew colorful kites over the skies of Istanbul in 1976, continues to invite visitors to explore the beauty of her kites at Arter with the exhibition Jackie Matisse: Uçurtma Zamanı until December 15th!

• Maaria Wirkkala’s installation Karaya Çıkmak Yasaktır, displayed at the 52nd Venice Biennale in 2007 and included in the Arter Collection, will be on view with visitors until February 23rd. Curated by Nilüfer Şaşmazer, the exhibition reflects the influence of light and water in the artist’s works as she spent her youth between Venice and Helsinki, offering art enthusiasts a profound artistic experience.

• The exhibition Warhol’un Dünyası-Pop Art’ın İkonu, featuring works by the pioneer of Pop Art Andy Warhol, will meet viewers at CSO Ada Ankara, Istanbul AKM, Izmir Kültür Park, and Antalya Türkan Şoray Cultural Center from September 21st to December 31st.

• The exhibition Frida Kahlo’nun Günlükleri, inspired by the works of Frida Kahlo, will welcome art lovers in Istanbul Grand Pera and Antalya AKS from September 28th to October 26th, and November 2nd to 30th.

• Gama Gallery will host the famous series Signes by French visual artist Chris Calvet, presenting Calvet’s nature-inspired works to visitors from September 18th to October 12th at 42 Maslak.

• The exhibition Islak Zemin to be held on the ground floor gallery of Arter from September 19th to April 6, 2025, will bring together the old and new works of artist Yasemin Özcan, exploring the relationship between humans and soil, memory and language, autobiography, and fiction. The exhibition will offer art enthusiasts a rich experience, featuring a conversation with the artist Eda Berkmen and writings by Evrim Kaya, Işın Önol, and Kaya Genç.

What’s going on in Paris? Some Paris exhibitions…

• To celebrate the 100th year of the famous fashion and decoration workshop Maison Lesage in Paris, a free exhibition will host art lovers at Galerie du 19M from September 26th to January 5th, 2024. The retrospective exhibition of the Lesage workshop, founded by Albert and Marie-Louise Lesage in 1924, will include the monumental piece “Murmuration” created in collaboration with artist Aristide Barré. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in free embroidery workshops guided by the masters of Maison Lesage.

• French artist Speedy Graphito, one of the pioneers of the street art movement, has secured a solid place in the contemporary art world. With his new exhibition La Grande Illusion, which can be viewed for free at Fluctuart in Paris from September 20th to December 22nd, Speedy Graphito will share his works and artistic journey with enthusiasts.

• Until November 16th, Hôtel de Ville is hosting the exhibition Paris! The capital presents itself to the World depicting the last ten years of Paris and providing an opportunity to explore various aspects of the city. Marguerite Bornhauser’s giant portraits on the theme “Who are the Parisians?” present Paris’s rich heritage and cultural sites in an engaging manner. Visitors can also explore Paris streets by bike and enjoy a pleasant cruise on the Seine River as part of the exhibition.

CINEMA

• Directed by Bujar Alimani and starring Mimoza Azemi, Fatlume Bunjaku, and Kasem Hoxha, The Albanian Virgin tells the story of Luana and Agim, who are closest friends despite the different situations of their families in Albania. The film is set to premiere in Turkey on September 13th!

• My Favorite Cake, a comedy-drama film directed by Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, will hit the theaters on September 20th!

• The new film Megalopolis by renowned director Francis Ford Coppola features a cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, and more. The film will be released on September 27th!

PODCAST

• İş Sanat explores Turkey’s cultural richness with its podcast series Kahverengi Yol Panoları. Journalist Emrah Kolukısa discusses cultural assets and heritage marked with brown road signs with various guests ranging from scientists to artists, travelers, and writers.

• The podcast Üretim Kaydı, hosted and prepared by Esra Ece Kuleci, focuses on the creative process of various production and producers in the field of culture and arts, ranging from cinema to literature, photography, and music.

• Fularsız Entellik is a podcast channel that discusses current topics from a philosophical perspective while also incorporating content that emphasizes the importance of critical thinking. With each episode covering different subjects and offering listeners various perspectives, Fularsız Entellik, is ideal for expanding our worldview and worth following.

Hazırlayan: Nazperi YILMAZ