“Post-Impressionism Exhibition in the Arkas Collection”, which became one of the most visited exhibitions of Istanbul, attracting 65 thousand visitors is now in Izmir! With the addition of masterpieces to be exhibited for the first time, the exhibition will be open at Arkas Art Center until 28 July.
Louis ANQUETIN – Femme au Bord de l’Eau, 1889
With 42 artists and 92 art works from different parts of Europe, the exhibition that feautred Post-Impressionists, who held the key to the transition to modern painting in the 20th century after breaking away with conventional forms of painting, drew huge attention from art lovers with 65 thousand visitors visiting the exhibition held at the Tophane-i Amire Bes Kubbe Hall between 13 September and 6 November. The catalogue of the exhibition, published in 3 languages, also drew huge attention from art enthusiasts. The catalogues that can be considered as educational books with pictures, are regarded as books that can be sent to the archives of the world’s most important museums and libraries. The Izmirians will be able to visit the exhibition free of charge at Arkas Art Center for 5 months, starting from 13 February 2019. Arkas Holding President, Lucien Arkas said: “The Izmirians will not ever miss the chance of seeing a beautiful piece of art. People are visiting the exhibitions and they are expressing their gratitude. Because of this, I am confident to say that it was a very good idea to establish Arkas Art Center. When we first opened Arkas Art Center, we launched a Post Impressionist Exhibition in Izmir. Since then, there have been some changes, some additions. Last Fall, we opened yet another Post Impressionism Exhibition in Istanbul, in Tophane-i Amire. 65.000 art enthusiasts visited the exhibition. So, we decided to open it in Izmir as well. The exhibition will be open until July. The art world is very small, so word travels around fast. Some museums in Europe that have requested some paintings form our collection. With these painting exchanges our presence in the art world becomes known in Europe. Being acknowledged creates trust, and helps forming new friendships and partnerships. Trust is a must in the art world, and we have achieved that. Art lovers in Istanbul enjoyed our exhibition a lot and I hope that Izmirians will love it as well.” The director of the exhibition and Arkas Art Consultant Niko Filidis said: “Today, there are a lot of art collections in Turkey, but sharing them with everybody is not easy, it requires a great devotion for art, commitment and courage. Mr. Arkas does this successfully and in a very balanced way. To have such a collection in Turkey, and it being acknowledged is an amazing thing.” Filidis added that the exhibition contained works that were brought together as part of a conscientious and comprehensive research effort that had been going on for twenty years, adding that this was a unique assortment of art works the likes of which would probably not be seen again in Izmir or Istanbul.
Masterpieces to go on display for the first time in Turkey have been added to the exhibition
Arkas Art Center will host some masterpieces that were not included in the exhibition in Istanbul. The visitors in Izmir will be able to enjoy these pieces that were exhibited in some of the world’s most famous museums. Two masterpieces of Henri Manguin that were exhibited in “Musée des impressionnismes Giverny” in France and “Fondation de l’Hermitage” in Switzerland last year, Édouard Vuillard’s Lucy Hessel portrait that was exhibited in “Musée Bonnard in France” and Gustave Caillebotte’s portrait of Mrs. Anne- Marie Hagen are the most important works of art that will be displayed in Izmir for the first time. A painting by Henri Edmond Cross, Paysage de Bormes, currently exhibited in Barberini Museum in Potsdam Germany will also take its place in the exhibition at Arkas Art Center on 25 February. The post-impressionist artworks that have been added to the Arkas collection through years of meticulous work, effort and investments, do not only include the works of French artists, it combines many European artists’ works who were influenced by the modernist approach and ideas that spread from Paris and combined them with their own cultural perspectives. At the exhibition, art enthusiasts will have a unique encounter with two paintings by Braque who went down in history as one of the first masters of cubism whose works are revered by all museums around the world. The visitors will also witness the stories of great artists through many masterpieces, to name but a few, the bell tower of Henri-Edmond Cross, Louis Anquetin’s Woman with Umbrella, as well as the portrait of the distinguished French writer Andre Gide painted by Émille Blanche. The visitors will also have a chance to enjoy the artworks of Louis Anquetin, Maxime Maufra, Théo van Rysselberghe, Paul Sérusier, Suzanne Valadon, Édouard Vuillard, Louis Valtat, Maurice de Vlaminck, André Derain, George Braque and André Lhote at the exhibition.
The Framing system used in this exhibiton is a first in Turkey
The framing system used in the exhibition in Istanbul was a hit and also a first in Turkey, it’s aim being highlighting and accentuating the texture, colour and shape of exhibits. The visitors will enjoy viewing the paintings lighted with special lenses applied to the lighting display system, reflecting the richness of the colours used in the paintings.
Henri Edmond CROSS – Pérouse, le Campanile de Santa Maria Nuova, 1866
Exclusive for children: “Journey to Colours” Workshops
Arkas Art Center is going to host “Journey to Colours” Workshops exclusively for children throughout this exhibition. During the workshops exclusive for children aged 5-7 and 8-11, the children will first visit the exhibition “Post-Impressionism in the Arkas Collection” and then inspired by the stories’ of the paintings and by asking questions, they will get to know about the features and charachteristics of the art works. The children will then go to the workshop and by using different materials and crayons they will get the chance to reflect their imaginations and create fun designs. On Tuesdays, Arkas Art Center will host workshops for kindergardens and primary schools.
ARKAS ART CENTER; 1380 Sok. No.1 Alsancak-Izmir – 0232 464 66 00
Visiting hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10.00-18.00, Thursday 10.00-20.00. Arkas Art Center is closed on Mondays.