We lost the artist Balkan Naci İslimyeli, one of the beautiful faces of our Burgazada, on Wednesday, April 14th. I dreamed that maybe I would meet you on the island one day, unfortunately it did not happen, but it is never too late for your works to be included in my project. I immediately started researching, especially focusing on whether there is a study that included Burgazada. In 2007, I was informed that he presented his newest works, together with his never-exhibited works in his private archive, at the pre-prospective exhibition “Hidden Works” at İş Sanat Kibele Gallery. The exhibition, which was opened with the subtitle of Pretrospective, consists of five sections called Secret Affairs, Pension, Passengers, Turkish Cuisine and Moods of the Moon. I learned that the series of photographs he took in Burgazada was included in the Passengers section. I searched the exhibition catalog on Nadirkitap.com and found it in Kediköy Bookstore, 10 minutes from my house. At the beginning of this comprehensive (575 pages) catalog published by Türkiye İş Bankası Cultural Publications, there is the dedication of "for my father..." and the poem Baba, which he wrote in Burgazada in 2006.
With respect to the cherished memory of Balkan Naci İslimyeli.
PASSENGERS
Balkan Naci İslimyeli likens the adventure of art and life to a journey. Four photographs taken by the artist in Burgazada
It turns into a half meter long film strip in the exhibition space and describes the states of life: waiting, meeting, joining, leaving, loneliness.
Note: He will be sent off on his eternal journey from Burgazada on Saturday, April 16.