A special retrospective exhibition from Hayati Misman for his 60th anniversary
Hayati Misman, one of the masters of Turkish painting, is celebrating his 60th anniversary with a comprehensive retrospective exhibition. The exhibition, featuring works from various periods, opened its doors to art lovers on Wednesday, October 22nd, at İş Bankası Kibele Art Gallery.
The "Hayati Misman Retrospective" exhibition features more than 170 works by the artist in different disciplines such as painting, engraving, sculpture and metal decoupage.
Misman stated that his works are like diaries, reflecting his memories of the past and his dreams, concerns and expectations for the future.
The exhibition can be visited free of charge until January 19, 2026.
Concurrent with the exhibition, a book exploring Misman's artistic journey and aesthetics in depth has been released by İş Bankası Cultural Publications. Written by art writer and curator İbrahim Karaoğlu, the book is available now.
Karaoğlu summarizes Misman's understanding of art in the book with these words:
“The artist discovers new ways of seeing, new forms of expression.” — David Hockney
Misman's art treats diversity not as a disintegration, but as a deepening journey toward its essence. Working with etchings, canvas, sculpture, metal collage, and decoupage, the artist utilizes each technique as a distinct narrative language. The female figure in his works becomes a constantly evolving symbol, at times melancholic, at times resilient.
The artist's works highlight not only line, color, and form, but also the "poetic sparkle of emotions hidden deep within a person." The retrospective exhibition presents all aspects of Misman's sixty-year creative journey to the audience, while also aiming to make a significant contribution to the memory of Turkish contemporary art.
This special exhibition offers art lovers the opportunity to experience not only an artist's creative process, but also an aesthetic memory that passes through time.
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