Kadıköy workshop creates 'art out of trash'

Artist Halil İldeniz provides participants an opportunity to make new products by recycling materials in a studio named after the endangered bird "hermit ibis" in Istanbul's Kadıköy district.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), İldeniz said that they gave this name to the studio, which he opened opposite Yoğurtçu Park in Kadıköy, to attract attention to endangered art and design practices.

Implying they have been continuing their work since 2015, İldeniz stated that they attach importance to renewable and eco-friendly projects.

İldeniz noted that lumber is being turned into products with nice visual effects in this studio and continued: "This, maybe, isn't a work of art, but we came up with the idea of designing something or making something artistic with the materials we have. We generally conduct our projects with workshops in festivals and organizations. These workshops aren't just about plastic art or designs. They include many works of science from gastronomy to sports. Our trainers provide information to participants, and they also help them practice."

Supporting children's fantasy world



Having defined the workshop "Art out of Trash" as an opportunity to turn recycling materials into artistic designs, İldeniz said: "Actually, this isn't something new. We have seen examples in art history, and it is also supported by schools to raise awareness about recycling. For instance, a glass bottle dissolves in nature in 4,000 years, and a can of coke dissolves in 10 years, a plastic bottle dissolves in 400 years, telephone cards dissolve in 1,000 years. What we are doing is an entertaining activity. Participants make new things from things that they have found and brought from their houses. This activity helps children's fantasy world. Children, teenagers and adults have joined our activities so far. They have enjoyed it a lot. The intense attendance showed us that people are in need of activities like this. The children fictionalized stories they enjoy. Children contribute great imagination to their works. Adults can sometimes produce functional, aesthetical visuals; they sometimes make great things with the products that have been given as presents or that they like but don't know how to use."

İldeniz said there is a new perspective on art and design in the workshop "Art out of Trash" and because of this, people from different age groups or different occupational groups can join and make a new field for themselves here.

'Journey of Hope' for Syrian Refugees

While electrical engineer Türker Çiftçi made the project "Hope out of Trash," project manager Sema Seymen made "Recycling Forest." The project of student Mahire Erdemir was "Chaos," and artist Damla Karadere named her project "Transformation Tree." Student Elif Seymen created "Journey of Hope." Elif Seymen mentioned how happy she was to reuse old materials again.

Implying things seen as waste are utilized here, Seymen said, "We that waste things can make nice things -- can even make art together. My project is about what the Syrian refugees go through. Unfortunately, many Syrian people lose their lives by drowning. I have tried to tell their dangerous journey."