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A new exhibition titled “Mythological Transformations” has opened in Sofia, bringing together works by Turkish artists who specialize in paper art. Hosted under the auspices of Türkiye’s Embassy in Sofia and organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ State Institute for Culture, the event takes place at the Mission Gallery, which is affiliated with the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry.
The exhibition features the works of Professor Fethiye Erbay, Sukran Tumer, Neslihan Cakir, Benay Durmus, and Mutlu Erbay, all of whom are known for their creative approaches to paper art.
Türkiye’s Ambassador to Sofia Mehmet Sait Uyanik underlined during the opening that art helps bring nations closer together. He noted that the embassy has organized more than 15 cultural events in Bulgaria this year alone, stressing that such activities foster mutual understanding.
“We believe that culture and art speak a universal language that builds bridges across societies,” Uyanik said, adding that the exhibition is part of Sofia’s dynamic cultural scene and contributes to dialogue between the two nations. He also pointed out that the artists’ involvement plays a crucial role in ensuring that Turkish and Bulgarian communities become better acquainted with one another.
Ege University lecturer Sukran Tumer explained that her works in the exhibition are inspired by mythological stories from the Aegean region. “We depicted gods and goddesses, and within each work there are stories ranging from Artemis to Terra, and from Daphne to the laurel tree,” she said. Tumer noted that all the pieces are made entirely of paper, dyed with Turkish coffee, and created with a principle of transformation and sustainability.
She also stressed that her works carried a message about wildfires, referencing those experienced both in Izmir and in Bulgaria. “We wanted to raise awareness about the destruction of nature and highlight the importance of preserving it. Even if buried, our works would leave behind no waste, disappearing with zero environmental impact,” she explained.
Professor Fethiye Erbay emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of art and said her own work aimed to carry past cultural values into the present. Young artist Benay Durmus contributed pieces created using rolled kraft paper shaped with basket-weaving techniques, adding a contemporary dimension to the exhibition.
The opening attracted members of parliament from various political parties, as well as representatives of Bulgaria’s cultural and artistic circles. The exhibition, which highlights creative dialogue between Türkiye and Bulgaria, will remain open to visitors until Oct. 10.
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