Turkey Factoids

 















It is home to some of the worlds oldest human settlements. One old city dating back to 7500 BCE was Çatalhöyük; I learned about this city in Art history I. They lived in one area for almost 2,000 years building their city directly on top of the older foundation.

The largest political party with the most influence is called the"Justice and Development Party." This party was created after 2001, in the aftermath of the economic downturn, consisting of members from many political groups. Their government is set up to be a parliamentary representative democracy.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is a mega city of over 8 million people in the country of Turkey. It has historically been called Byzantium and Constantinople. Founded is 660 BCE by those from Greek, it has been an important city throughout history. This is partially due to its strategic location on a peninsula in between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara; the land in between the Middle East and Europe.

After the fall of Constantinople, it was forced into being a cosmopolitan mix of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish people. It was dominated by Christian theology and that was slowly subsided with Islamic artistry. There is a monastery in Istanbul that dates back to 454 AD. As a result of the cities historical ties and variance in occupation the architecture varies greatly.

On of the Mason Global Study Abroad Programs goes from Athens to Istanbul. It is scheduled for the Winter. It seems like an amazing trip. I would also like to see Florence and Rome. I have been craving to see some masterworks of sculpture. I have a great appreciation for classical art and would like to be exposed to this, especially Michelangelo and Donatello (thanks Art History 2). I need more exposure to sculpture as I am increasingly thinking in terms of oil and canvas.












I believe Jennifer Steinkamp received special project support from Aygaz, a natural gas company from Istanbul, Turkey in 2003.

Random Thoughts - Some from Artbus

When I see light sculptures now, I think of Jennifer.

They are almost always extremely different that her works. She uses the light and projection to transform space by dissolving the architecture, pulling the audience into the piece, or share wonder.

Much of the other work I had seen in NYC and DC was either direct narrative (Words in neon), back-lit (causing the piece to be the only light in the room), Atmospheric only (like as you would watch a show), or plays in minimalism and color.

I appreciate her work much more as I see and compare other artists using light and projection.

NEA and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

In 2006, Jennifer was awarded a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. In accordance with his will, grants are given to support the visual arts. This group gives grants not to the artist but the supporting organization, such as museums or artist organization, using methods such as re-granting and artist-in-residence.

I understood artist won grants but I also found the NEA employed similar tactics for funding art. This helps alleviate the whiplash of the art, as art is often difficult and people resist challenge causing controversy. 

Warhol Foundation
NEA Document

J. Paul Getty Artist in Residence

J. Paul Getty was an oilman who was noted as being one of the first billionaires and in 1957 the worlds richest private citizen.


There is a museum that supports Artists and curators to study and research. 


Jennifer was the J. Paul Getty Artist in Residence, Getty Artist program, in Los Angeles, California, 2010-11.

J Paul Getty Museum
NY TImes