Artist Esma Kudar Unites Past and Future in Her 100th Exhibition

Artist and curator Esma Kudar presented the fourth exhibition of her project titled “28+3 | Lunar Calendar – Symbol Culture Series”, which she has been working on for 11 years, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Gallery / Selim Turan Gallery and Kudart Art Garden in Edremit, Balıkesir. This exhibition also marks the 100th exhibition of her career.

Esma kudar’dan 100. sergi sembol kültürü serileri edremit’te sanatseverlerle buluştu (2)

In this long-term project, Kudar reinterprets mythological stories through a contemporary artistic lens by combining Mayan, Shamanic, and Nordic symbols with numbers. Through symbols, she connects the past with the present, and ancient wisdom with today’s world. Each exhibition invites viewers into a narrative universe woven with the multi-layered meanings of symbols.

Esma kudar’dan 100. sergi sembol kültürü serileri edremit’te sanatseverlerle buluştu (3)

In addition to her artistic production, Esma Kudar also plays an active role in the cultural sphere. As the director of the Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Gallery, she has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards such as the Great Award of the Turkic World and the Best Promotion of Turkey Award, acknowledged by UNESCO. The gallery continues to serve as a significant cultural hub both in Turkey and internationally.

Esma kudar’dan 100. sergi sembol kültürü serileri edremit’te sanatseverlerle buluştu (4)

Kudar is also known for her art-based children’s projects that bring together different disciplines. As part of these projects, she has carried out international educational programs in various countries. These initiatives aim to provide children with spaces for creative expression by blending art and education.

Esma kudar’dan 100. sergi sembol kültürü serileri edremit’te sanatseverlerle buluştu (5)

She dedicated this new exhibition as a tribute to her father, M. Selim Kudar, and drew great attention with a performance at the opening. She expressed special thanks to her niece Senem Gizay Kudar for her support during the event, to Enver Çılgın for his live performance, to Talha Akman for capturing this special day through photography and video, to her greatest supporter—her brother Hasan Kudar—and to her mother Senem Kudar, the founder of the brand Şatürta, for designing her outfit. She also conveyed her gratitude to all the art lovers who attended the opening.

Esma kudar’dan 100. sergi sembol kültürü serileri edremit’te sanatseverlerle buluştu (6)

Esma kudar’dan 100. sergi sembol kültürü serileri edremit’te sanatseverlerle buluştu (7)

As Esma Kudar continues preparations for the final phase of her “Symbol Culture Series” project, she remains committed to conveying the power and universal language of symbols through her art.