Korkut Sönmez’s 3rd solo sculpture exhibition, “Return Ticket,” will meet the audience at ArtHan Gallery, located in the historic Kurşunlu Han, a work by Mimar Sinan, curated by Nuray Özler Yolcu, from September 28 to October 19, 2024.
Identified by Knidos Excavation Director Ertekin M. Doksanaltı, Korkut Sönmez, recognized as the first sculptor and native artist of Knidos after 2200 years, is advancing not only as a preserver of the past but also as a shaper of the future. His art bears deep traces of the region and history where he was born, embodying the spirit of water and earth in his sculptures.
Korkut Sönmez’s sculptures are tangible expressions of the deep connection humans have with nature and the inner quests born from this bond. His works, positioned in the delicate passage between water and the earth, rise from the depths of the soil and take shape in the tranquility of water, reflecting the artist’s existential stance. He conveys personal and universal human conditions with a unique wisdom and simplicity.
His works are not just visual forms but also concrete evidence of spiritual expressions. Like a sage who has grasped the essence of nature, he bridges the gap between the soul and humanity through his sculptures. His forms reflect spiritual depth while also outwardly expressing a peaceful inner search. The artist invites the viewer to embark on an inner journey with the concept of a “return ticket.”
Nuray Özler Yolcu
Korkut Sönmez was born in 1977 in the enchanting city of Datça Knidos, home to the Carians and Dorians. Shaped by deep-rooted connections and the natural surroundings of his birthplace, he grew up amidst ruins, olive and almond fields, in a fertile land surrounded by the sea and mountains. With no electricity, illuminated only by moonlight, stars, and phosphorescence, these formative years laid the foundation for Sönmez’s artistic pursuits. His search for clarity in reality led him to enroll in the Ceramic Department of Marmara University’s Faculty of Fine Arts in 1997.
After graduating from the Tankut Öktem Studio, Sönmez participated in numerous applied projects both nationally and internationally, holding his first solo exhibition in 2004. He has continued to exhibit his work at international symposiums and group exhibitions, pursuing the quest he began in the land where he was born. His sculptures, which delve into the meanings of water, history, and life, reflect the fragile balance between earth and water with poetic impact. Korkut Sönmez’s works elegantly present the delicate harmony between the earth and water.
ARTHAN GALLERY
By bringing together contemporary art with the historic texture of Kurşunlu Han, ArtHan Gallery aims to provide both viewers and artists with a unique experience. It is a meeting point for all who wish to be intertwined with art and life…
The Story of Rüstem Paşa Caravanserai “Kurşunlu Han”
Designed by Mimar Sinan, Rüstem Paşa Caravanserai, also known as “Kurşunlu Han,” has been witnessing change and hosting various activities since 1561. Over the centuries, it has served first as the St. Michele Cathedral and later as a caravanserai. Today, the space brings together traders, production workshops, and artists from various disciplines, alongside craftsmen, designers, and architects, under the same roof. Kurşunlu Han continues to blend its rich history with the work of today, collecting dust along the way.
