Osman Hamdi Bey's paintings that depict Bursa themes are re-imagined and reinterpreted in a modern context.
In the heart of Turkey, the Iznik Museum hosts an exceptional exhibition titled "Osman Hamdi Bey's Bursa." This showcase features a fresh take on the masterpieces of Osman Hamdi Bey, a distinguished figure in Turkish painting. The exhibit is a collaborative effort involving 25 artists from various artistic disciplines who have creatively reinterpreted Hamdi Bey's Bursa-themed paintings.
The project was initiated by photographer Neslihan Sagır Çetin, who recreated Hamdi Bey's landscapes using real models wearing period costumes at the authentic locations shown in the paintings. As more artists joined the project, traditional elements encapsulated in Hamdi Bey's paintings – such as Islamic calligraphy, wooden bookstands, glass oil lamps, and Iznik tiles – were reimagined through diverse artistic mediums like filigree, stained glass, woodcarving, and mother-of-pearl inlay.
Named after the city where most of Hamdi Bey's works are set, the exhibition delves into the intersection of history, geography, and traditional crafts. According to the exhibition's curator, Çetin, the buildings depicted in Hamdi Bey's paintings, such as the Yeşil Mosque, Yeşil Tomb, Muradiye Complex, and the Mosque of Murad II, all exist in Bursa. The exhibition thereby spotlights the historical significance and, indeed, the continued presence of these iconic scenes within Bursa.
Visitors to the exhibition may dress in a replica of the costume from Hamdi Bey's most famous work, "The Tortoise Trainer," and take photographs. Among the participating artists are master craftspeople recognized by the Culture and Tourism Ministry. The exhibition, which showcases an intriguing blend of traditional arts and visual storytelling, will remain on display at the Iznik Museum until June 10.
The exhibition not only underscores the enduring legacy of Osman Hamdi Bey but also fosters a dialogue between past and present by merging classical painting with contemporary artistic practices and traditional crafts. The reinterpretation project has garnered considerable attention, with some works reportedly selling at record-breaking prices and earning international acclaim.
The reinterpretation project initiated by Neslihan Sagır Cetin combines travel and cultural travel, as she recreates Hamdi Bey's landscapes at authentic locations, blending them with contemporary artistic practices. This exhibition, named "Osman Hamdi Bey's Bursa," also encourages visitors to immerse themselves in a lifestyle reminiscent of the past by dressing in replica costumes and taking photographs.
