International Student Biennial at Istanbul Aydin University: “What’s Next?”

Istanbul Aydın University Faculty of Fine Arts is hosting the 3rd International Student Biennial between May 5–23, 2025. This year, under the theme “What’s Next?”, the biennial focuses on the transformative power of art in the face of disasters that affect the lives of all living and non-living beings.

Addressing the question of how humanity can build a future after crises such as climate change, pandemics, earthquakes, and economic recessions, the biennial explores the tense line between destruction and rebirth through art. Emphasizing that disasters are not only about destruction but also opportunities for reconstruction, the event encourages young artists from different geographies to create around these questions.

The uniqueness and international character of the Biennial is also reflected in its Selection Committee. Comprising nearly 50 academics, the committee brings together distinguished scholars from 13 different countries, including Türkiye, China, India, the USA, Germany, Iran, Portugal, Bulgaria, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Israel, Romania, Slovenia, and Denmark.

During the biennial, the works of more than 70 students from countries such as Türkiye, India, China, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia in the fields of art and design will be exhibited online. The participants’ works address themes such as post-disaster life, reconstruction, relationship with nature, urban destruction, and individual/collective memory — inviting audiences to reflect, question, and discuss new possibilities.

The event program offers rich content ranging from workshops to panels, talks to portfolio reviews. The opening will take place on May 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Istanbul Aydın University D Block Blue Hall, with a talk by Oruç Çakmaklı.

The 3rd Istanbul Aydın University International Student Biennial reveals how art can create a space of resilience in times of crisis and open the doors to transformation. We invite all art lovers to join this polyphonic, multilingual, and multi-layered gathering.

For detailed program and participant list:
bienal.aydin.edu.tr
Contact:
Istanbul Aydın University, Faculty of Fine Arts
E-mail: [email protected]