Akdeniz, Metal sculpture in Beyoğlu, Turkey
Akdeniz is a metal sculpture on İstiklal Avenue in Beyoğlu, made from 112 evenly spaced metal strips that form a female figure with open arms. The work stands in front of the Yapı Kredi Culture Center, surrounded by galleries and cafes throughout the district.
The sculpture was originally placed on Büyükdere Avenue in 1980, marking an important moment in Istanbul's modern art scene. Its creator İlhan Koman received the Sedat Simavi Foundation Visual Arts Award in 1981, recognizing the work's artistic significance.
The figure with open arms stands as a contemporary work integrated into Istanbul's city life and street culture. The metal strips create a flowing impression that draws people's attention as they walk past on İstiklal Avenue.
The sculpture sits on İstiklal Avenue where many shops, restaurants, and cultural venues cluster nearby, making it easy to visit along with other stops. The area is active during daytime and works well as a brief stop during a longer walk through the neighborhood.
The artwork translates a paper-folding technique into metal form, creating different visual effects depending on where you stand and how the light hits it. Despite this intricate design, the entire structure weighs around 4.5 tonnes, which makes its delicate appearance all the more striking.
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