From Loom to Brain: Weaving Carpets, Weaving Inspiration.

Istanbul Exhibition Unravels Threads of Social Commentary Through Carpet Weaving

From Loom to Brain: Weaving Carpets, Weaving Inspi...

Salt Beyoğlu, a prominent modern art museum in Istanbul, is currently hosting a compelling exhibition titled "We've Been on the Carpet Since the '90s." Running until March 1, 2026, the free exhibition delves into the history and impact of the Carpet Workshop, a unique program within the Painting Department of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSÜ). Far from simply celebrating a traditional craft, the exhibition reveals how the workshop became a vibrant hub for artistic innovation and social commentary, weaving together contemporary art practices with pressing social issues.

The exhibition showcases the workshop's evolution, highlighting its role in transforming the Istanbul art scene, particularly in the 2000s. Through collaborative productions, individual artworks, archival materials, and personal accounts, visitors gain insight into the workshop's unconventional approach to art education, one that valued collective thinking, artistic production, and social critique. The exhibition emphasizes the workshop's connections to independent art initiatives, feminist groups, and interdisciplinary collectives, demonstrating its commitment to engaging with broader social and political landscapes.

From "Comfortable Workshop" to Artistic Catalyst

Founded in the late 1970s by painter Özdemir Altan and initially managed by Zekai Ormancı, the Carpet Workshop was initially perceived as a "comfortable workshop," perhaps even underestimated for its apparent embrace of traditionalism. However, it quickly evolved into a space where carpet weaving was not just a craft, but a powerful medium for expressing ideas and challenging conventional norms.

Weaving Social Messages

The exhibition reveals how the Carpet Workshop addressed a range of social concerns, from femicide to migration, embedding these critical messages within the fabric of their art. Under the guidance of academician and artist Gülçin Aksoy, who joined the workshop in 1992, it gained significant recognition both within MSGSÜ and the broader art community. Examples on display include newspaper clippings, unfinished weavings, scarves adorned with embroidered poetry, and carpets resembling protest banners, all serving as potent reminders of the workshop's commitment to social justice. The exhibition also highlights the workshop's involvement with the AtılKunst artist collective and their "Garip Bir Pandik" performances, further demonstrating their influence beyond the academic sphere. By bringing social, political, and cultural issues to the forefront, the Carpet Workshop demonstrated the power of art to spark dialogue and inspire change.