Journey Between Sky & Earth: What Awaits?!

Mardin, Turkey – This ancient city, a true melting pot of civilizations, is gearing up to host its seventh biennale, a major event on the international contemporary art calendar. Titled "SKYground," this year's exhibition promises to be something special, aiming to bridge the seemingly unbridgeable: sky and earth, dream and reality. Think of it as a journey, not just through art, but through ideas.

Journey Between Sky & Earth: What Awaits?!

The Mardin Biennale, hosted by the Mardin Cinema Association, has been steadily gaining recognition since its inception in 2010. This year, under the direction of Döne Otyam and Hakan Irmak, and curated by Çelenk Bafra, the artistic director of Istanbul Modern, it's poised to be its most ambitious yet. Bafra, a veteran of the Turkish and European art scene, brings a wealth of experience to the table. The core concept of "SKYground" is all about creating a dialogue between these two seemingly disparate realms, forging a connection between the tangible and the ethereal.

Speaking at the press conference, Bafra articulated the guiding questions that shaped the biennale. "In today's world," she asked, "amidst all these contradictions, polarizations, fractures, and injustices, is it still possible to dream? And if so, how can this dream be built without breaking away from the ground of reality?" "SKYground," she explained, is an attempt to answer these questions, consciously juxtaposing two opposing forces. It's not about choosing one or the other, but about finding that liminal space, that pause "in the transition between the two, placing imagination in the sky and responsibility on the ground." It's a fascinating concept, and I'm eager to see how it translates into the artwork on display.

The biennale is envisioned as a multi-layered experience, encouraging viewers to look both upwards and inwards. Birds, deeply embedded in the region's cultural memory, will serve as guides, leading visitors between exhibitions, site-specific installations, and performances scattered throughout the city. This is more than just displaying art; it's about weaving it into the fabric of Mardin itself, using the city's unique atmosphere and history as a canvas.

Bafra was also keen to highlight the diverse range of artists participating, with a particular focus on those from Turkey and regions with strong cultural ties to Mardin. Expect to see works from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Asia, North Africa, and South America, creating a truly global conversation. The 7th Mardin Biennale runs from May 15th to June 21st, kicking off with a traditional festival in Upper Mardin. And for the first time, the biennale will extend beyond the old city's boundaries, incorporating the Ancient City of Dara, the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, and Kızıltepe, inviting visitors to explore the diverse geography and culture of the region. It promises to be a journey worth taking.