Rhythms of Time Underground: “Yesterday and Today” by Seçkin Pirim at Şerefiye Cistern
A 1,600-year-old Eastern Roman water cistern, a consistent artistic practice spanning eleven years, and fragile geometries meeting on the serene surface of water… The historic Şerefiye Cistern in Fatih hosts one of the most captivating encounters where the past and contemporary art come side-by-side. Sculptor Seçkin Pirim’s solo exhibition titled “Yesterday and Today” (Dün ile Bugün) promises a mystical journey of time and form underground until August 31, 2026.
Reflection of Geometry on Historical Stone Walls
Estimated to have been built between the 4th and 5th centuries AD, Şerefiye Cistern is one of the most elegant structures carrying Istanbul’s water infrastructure and urban memory from Eastern Rome to the present day. However, curating an exhibition in such an ancient space requires much more than simply arranging works between columns.
Pirim’s layered sculptures establish an organic dialogue with the still water and centuries-old stones of the cistern rather than intervening directly. Light beams filtering through the columns and fluid reflections falling onto the water both strengthen the geometric forms of the sculptures and melt them into the timeless atmosphere of the space.
Eleven Years of Patience: Reaching the Whole from the One
Seçkin Pirim’s artistic language, built step-by-step for over a decade, is based on the rhythmic repetition, cutting, and stacking of forms. Behind this patient production process lies Rumi’s (Mevlana) profound philosophical pursuit stretching “from the one to the whole.”
A single line or module multiplies to transform into a monumental whole; yet this resulting mass never feels rigid or heavy. On the contrary, it offers an extremely dynamic and fragile structure constantly reshaped by the angle of light. The exhibition’s title, “Yesterday and Today,” points precisely to this fluid threshold: neither a nostalgia trapped in the past nor today’s rush; right in the middle of both, a moment to stop and breathe underground.
Purification, Water, and “Return from the Essence”
The theme of “purification of the essence,” prominent in Pirim’s recent works, captures a perfect harmony with the cistern’s very reason for existence. The purifying power of water, which gave life to the city for centuries, finds its counterpart today in the simplified lines of the sculptures. Transforming historical venues into living art spaces under the management of İBB Kültür AŞ, Şerefiye Cistern presents a shining example of how contemporary art can establish a qualified connection with historical heritage through this exhibition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seçkin Pirim’s “Yesterday and Today” Exhibition
Where and until what date is the exhibition open?
The exhibition can be visited until August 31, 2026, at the Şerefiye Cistern in Fatih (Piyer Loti Cad. No:2/1).
Who is Seçkin Pirim and where does his artistic style stand?
An Istanbul-based sculptor and visual artist, Pirim develops an original design language shaped around rhythmic repetition of forms, layered paper and acrylic sculptures, light-shadow balance, and the philosophy of “from the one to the whole.”
How does the cistern atmosphere contribute to the exhibition?
The 1,600-year-old Eastern Roman architecture, still water surface, and dim lighting setup add depth to Pirim’s delicate geometric forms, offering the viewer a timeless and serene experience.
If you are in the Historical Peninsula on a hot Istanbul day, there is nothing like stepping away from the crowded streets of Fatih and descending into the cool air of Şerefiye Cistern. Remaining alone with Seçkin Pirim’s sculptures dozens of meters underground, amidst 1,600-year-old stone columns and water, feels like a soul-soothing oasis. Steer your route to Piyer Loti Street before August ends and be sure to witness this captivating dance of geometry and light!
