The painting exhibition themed “Space and People” at SANKO Art Gallery.

Dr. Atiye Güner, Head of the Department of Visual Communication Design at Hasan Kalyoncu University Faculty of Communication, presented her works themed “Space and Human” to art enthusiasts at the SANKO Art Gallery.

In her speech at the exhibition opening, Dr. Güner emphasized the unifying aspect of art, stating that artistic activities should be supported for the future of societies and that younger generations should be encouraged to engage with art.

Highlighting that space is generally defined as a confined void, Dr. Güner said, “Kewn, which means to be, is a word derived from a root. It actually symbolizes existence. Since existence, humans have been in constant interaction with space; on one hand, they shape the void as a subject, and on the other hand, they are the object transformed by the void.”

Dr. Güner added, “Until modern art, space and human were traditionally seen as separate entities. In contemporary art, space is a dynamic element representing the existence of the artwork.”

She pointed out that her works in the exhibition include contemporary techniques and feature data that highlight local values, stating, “The greatest binding value that holds societies together is culture. Sustainable culture is highly valued in today’s world. Recently, the sustainability of culture and art has come to the forefront globally.”

Describing art as an exchange of images, Dr. Güner expressed that the artist reflects the images created in their mind onto their works, saying, “The viewer finds something from their own world in the artworks. Art is a softening, unifying, and a means of consolidating and holding societies together.”

Recalling that SANKO Holding is a leading organization not only in contributing to the economy of Gaziantep and the country but also in the social and cultural sphere, Dr. Güner concluded, “I am proud to present my works to art enthusiasts at the SANKO Art Gallery in my city. I thank the SANKO Management for their support for art and artists.”

Following the speeches, Akcan Barlas presented the publication titled “Zeugma: The Necklace of the Euphrates” to Atiye Güner on behalf of SANKO Holding.

The exhibition opening was attended by Cengiz Halil Çiçek, Vice President of the Executive Board of SANKO Art Gallery; Murat Köylüoğlu, Member of the Executive Board; Prof. Dr. Sevim Kaya, Faculty Member of the Food Engineering Department at Gaziantep University; Dr. M. Fatih Eminoğlu, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Communication at Hasan Kalyoncu University; Dr. Buket Akdemir Dilek, Faculty Member of the Faculty of Communication; Dr. Mehmet Vanlıoğlu, Faculty Member of the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture; businessman Ömer Güllü; painting teacher Hüseyin Yıldırım from the Chamber of Commerce Fine Arts High School; painter Gül Öztürkmen Demir; art enthusiasts; and invited guests.

Atiye Güner’s painting exhibition themed “Space and Human,” featuring 18 works, can be visited daily from 10:00 to 22:00 at the SANKO Art Gallery located on the third floor of SANKO Park AVM until November 15, 2024.

Atiye Güner completed her undergraduate studies in 2004 at Anadolu University Faculty of Business Administration, her Master’s degree in 2010 at Mersin University Institute of Fine Arts, Department of Painting, and her Doctorate in 2022 at Yıldız Technical University Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Art Design.

Serving as a Faculty Member in the Department of Visual Communication Design at Hasan Kalyoncu University, Güner also holds the position of department head.

Some of the exhibitions she has participated in include:
– Artİstanbul 2004 International Contemporary Art Meeting Mixed Exhibition at Lütfü Kırdar Exhibition and Convention Hall Kayalı Art Gallery.
– Polyphonic Neighbors Mixed Exhibition at F Art Gallery within the scope of the 2017 Istanbul Biennial.
– Artist 2019, 29th Istanbul Art Fair Mixed Print Exhibition.
– International Online Mixed Exhibition for the 100th anniversary of our Republic in 2023.
– Organized by Marmara University Traditional Handicrafts and Design Application and Research Center (GESTUAM), Süleyman Demirel University Textile and Handicrafts Design Application and Research Center (TESAUM), and Yıldız Technical University Art and Design Application and Research Center (SATPARK).
– Gallery ARTS 29. Online Group Exhibition 2023.
– “Garden of Secrets” 2024 Personal Exhibition at Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality Kahraman Emmioğlu Cultural Art Center.