“Soulscapes” Group Exhibition at Marquess Mayfair Gallery: A Celebration of Space and Art

The highly anticipated group exhibition “Soulscapes,” curated by Ilayda Uzunarslan, is set to take place at Marquess Mayfair Gallery from November 11-17, 2024. Featuring an impressive lineup of artists including Almira Von Oz, Aytug Sertsari, Billur Engin, Dilek Hermenci, Flint Shipman, Selin Soylu, and Sıla Sobacı, the exhibition delves into the intertwined concepts of space and the soul, creating a captivating dialogue between the viewer and the artworks.

Exploring Space Through Art: Inspired by Gaston Bachelard

Drawing inspiration from the seminal work “La Poétique de l’Espace” (The Poetics of Space) by French philosopher Gaston Bachelard, the exhibition explores the psychological and emotional dimensions of space. Bachelard’s philosophy views space not merely as a physical construct but as a realm shaped by our imagination and memories. He offers a poetic understanding of how intimate spaces like the home, a room, or a corner can leave profound marks on our inner world and evoke deep emotional resonance.

The artworks presented in “Soulscapes” reflect this exploration of space, with each artist offering a unique interpretation. Through diverse mediums, they invite the audience to journey through inner landscapes and experience how physical spaces can act as vessels for memory and emotion.

Curatorial Vision: Ilayda Uzunarslan’s Perspective

Curator Ilayda Uzunarslan shares her vision for the exhibition: “Galleries are not merely venues where art is displayed, but intimate corners that house fragments of each artist’s soul. The pieces featured in ‘Soulscapes’ open windows into the inner worlds of the creators, offering glimpses into personal spaces, hidden rooms, and secluded drawers of thought and emotion. This exhibition seeks to highlight these mind rooms, memory corners, and emotion drawers, inviting the audience to explore the artists’ unique inner landscapes.”

Meet the Artists: A Diverse Range of Perspectives

• Almira Von Oz: Known for her surreal and dreamlike paintings, Von Oz delves into the subconscious, creating visual narratives that challenge conventional perceptions of space.
• Aytug Sertsari: With a focus on abstract compositions, Sertsari examines the tension between chaos and harmony, using vibrant colours and dynamic forms.
• Billur Engin: Engin’s intricate line work and textured surfaces evoke a sense of nostalgia, exploring the intimate spaces of memory.
• Dilek Hermenci: Specializing in architectural motifs, Hermenci’s pieces reflect the psychological impact of built environments, blending geometry with emotion.
• Flint Shipman: Shipman’s background in sculpture and installation adds a tactile element to the exhibition, with immersive works that invite physical engagement.
• Selin Soylu: Known for her large-scale abstract pieces, Selin surprises us with works from her limited edition new still life collection, energetic studies for the home.
• Sıla Sobacı: Sobacı focuses on clear cut forms, exploring the relationship between the human eye and the orderly perceived environment. She lifts her isolated subjects from the space that is surrounding them, to a dreamlike state with nocturnal colour palette.

Event Details and What to Expect

The “Soulscapes” exhibition will offer visitors an immersive experience, featuring a series of guided tours and artist talks. The opening night will provide an opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to engage directly with the artists and curator, gaining deeper insights into the creative process and the philosophical underpinnings of the works.

• Dates: November 11-17, 2024
• Venue: Marquess Mayfair Gallery, 14 Shepherd Market, London W1J 7QG
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
• Admission: Free entry

Whether you are an art lover, a collector, or simply curious about the intersection of space and imagination, “Soulscapes” promises a thought-provoking journey through the landscapes of the mind and soul.