At first glance, “WOW” feels like an exclamation, but in Güneş Aytemur’s canvases, it transforms into an entirely new language. This solo exhibition, featuring 21 new works, is a contemporary take on astonishment, humor, and the colorful memories of childhood.
Aytemur weaves an energy that spans from pop art to graffiti, classical painting disciplines to the rapid imagery of the digital age. In her works, the word “WOW” sometimes bursts from a cartoon character’s mouth, other times seeping into the surface as a scribble. Yet, each time, it appears as a gesture questioning the nature of awe itself: Are we saying “wow” because we’re truly captivated, or merely out of habit?
Between Innocence and Chaos
In Aytemur’s world, childhood memories collide with the chaotic rhythm of today. The colors are vibrant, but their undertones are ironic; the expressions are joyful, yet carry a sense of weariness. This tension creates a nostalgic yet critical stance in her paintings—much like a moment oscillating between joy and melancholy.
WOW is not just about amazement but also about our diminishing capacity to be amazed. In an era of constantly glowing screens, where we struggle to know what still sparks wonder, Aytemur invites viewers to reconsider their own reactions.
Exhibition Details
📅 On view through October 17, 2025
📍 Bi’Nevi Gallery, Teşvikiye Mah. Muradiye Bayırı Sok. No:45 D:2, Şişli – Istanbul
