Polyksena & Iphigenia opens in Türkiye to raise awareness on gender-based violence

The “Polyksena & Iphigenia” exhibition, a collaboration of 75 artists from 35 cities across two countries, opened in Canakkale. This interdisciplinary exhibition, designed to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, invites viewers to reconsider the issue of gender-based violence through the power of art.

Organized by the Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University (COMU), in collaboration with the Faculty of Fine Arts and the Canakkale Municipality, the exhibition is being held at the Troya Exhibition Hall. It provides a platform for artistic expression while addressing the pressing issue of violence against women.

Connecting mythology to contemporary struggles

The exhibition’s name is inspired by two iconic figures from Greek mythology—Polyksena, a Trojan princess, and Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon, King of the Achaeans. The exhibition’s theme ties together these mythological stories with the current struggle against gender-based violence, aiming to spark reflection on the importance of gender equality.

Professor Cuneyt Erenoglu, the rector of COMU, emphasized the importance of the university’s engagement in social activities beyond academics, particularly when it comes to reaching the community.

“We believe in the power of reaching out to society and making a real impact through initiatives like this,” he stated during the exhibition’s opening speech.

Art as tool for change in fight against violence

Professor Pelin Kanten, director of the Women and Family Studies Center at COMU, highlighted the effort that went into creating this exhibition. She noted that for four months, artists poured intense energy into preparing this meaningful display.

“This year, we are addressing the issue of violence against women from an artistic perspective for the first time, and it has been a deeply valuable experience,” said Kanten.

Powerful and emotional installation

The exhibition includes a poignant installation created by Can Vocational School students under the guidance of instructor Yagmur Metin. The installation, which references the women tragically killed that year, was designed in mid-September. The piece features a counter that tracks the rising number of female victims of violence, a stark reminder of the grim reality. The counter began with 297, but by the time of the exhibition’s opening, the number had increased to 395. By the beginning of this week, the count reached 399, with the installation now bearing the name of a beloved colleague lost to violence.

Associate Professor Tuba Batu, a faculty member at COMU’s Can Vocational School and the exhibition’s curator, stressed the importance of art as a medium to offer a fresh perspective on this issue. “We hope this exhibition brings a new understanding of the violence that women face and ignites a societal shift towards more awareness,” Batu explained.

Call for collective social responsibility

The exhibition’s message is clear: tackling gender-based violence requires collective action.

“I used to be someone who didn’t understand these issues, but after experiencing it firsthand, I realized how important it is for all of us to be responsible for addressing this issue,” Batu reflected, urging both men and women to collaborate for a brighter future.

Polyksena & Iphigenia exhibition’s continued impact

The exhibition was attended by notable figures such as Canakkale Mayor Muharrem Erkek, Canakkale provincial director of Culture and Tourism Cagman Esirgemez, and other local leaders. It continues to draw attention to the pressing issue of gender-based violence, aiming to raise awareness and encourage societal change.

The “Polyksena & Iphigenia” exhibition is open to the public until Dec. 15, offering an opportunity for visitors to engage with this crucial subject through a powerful collection of art.

This exhibition provides a compelling and creative platform for discussing the urgent issue of gender-based violence, fostering awareness and encouraging a societal shift towards greater equality and respect for women. By harnessing the power of art, it aims to inspire change in the ongoing fight for gender equality.