Two giants of Turkish contemporary art, ceramic artist Nasip İyem and master painter Nuri İyem, have their works brought together under one roof for the first time in Bursa’s Tayyare Cultural Center, years after their passing and 21 years since their last joint exhibition. Organized by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Culture Department, the exhibition titled You Are Before My Eyes serves as a tribute to the profound bond these pioneering artists shared, both in their passion for art and in their life together.
Curated by Yasemin Bay, the exhibition features Nasip İyem’s ceramic and terracotta works, Nuri İyem’s paintings, and family photographs of the couple. The display is enriched with pieces from the family collection and significant collections across Turkey. The opening was attended by the artists’ son, Ümit İyem, their grandson, Osman Nuri İyem, and numerous prominent figures from the art and academic worlds.
Exhibition Details and Content:
- The title You Are Before My Eyes reflects how the couple remained ever-present in each other’s minds and hearts, both in life and art.
- Nasip İyem’s ceramics are displayed at the Cemal Nadir Art Gallery, Nuri İyem’s paintings at the Sami Güner Art Gallery, and the couple’s life story in the foyer area.
- The exhibition holds special significance as part of the Bursa Tanpınar Year, as Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar was a mentor to both artists during their Academy years.
- Accompanying the exhibition, a published book includes texts by curator Yasemin Bay, as well as contributions from notable figures such as Zeynep Oral and Selçuk Altun.
Showcasing the individual styles and shared sensibilities of these two artists, who drew inspiration from Anatolia’s cultural heritage and shaped Turkish art, the You Are Before My Eyes exhibition is open to visitors free of charge at the Tayyare Cultural Center until November 30, 2025, daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
