Türkiye Textile Biennial Highlights Water’s Role in Artistic and Textile Creation

The second Türkiye Textile Biennial has begun, inviting visitors to explore the intricate connection between water and textiles. Curated by Nihat Özdal, this year’s theme, “Wave Fabric,” is being showcased in historic venues across Antalya. The event continues until 13 April 2025.

Running from 22 February to 13 April, the biennial is organised by the Gazipaşa District Governorship and is exhibited in historical locations in Gazipaşa and Alanya, including the Ancient Cities of Selinus and Lamos, Yalan Dünya Cave, the Red Tower, Alanya Shipyard, and the Ancient City of Syedra.

“Textile industry uses 93 billion cubic metres of water annually”

Curator Nihat Özdal addressed the environmental impact of the textile industry, stating: “93 billion cubic metres of water are used in the textile industry worldwide each year. It takes 10,000 cubic metres of water for a pair of jeans and 2,500 cubic metres for a cotton t-shirt. 20% of global water pollution comes from textiles, and approximately 100 billion new textile products are introduced to the market every year.”

“Sharing my art where it belongs is an incredible experience”

Artist Özge Kahraman, a researcher at the Anatolian Speleology Group Association (ASPEG), explores the historical and visual significance of caves.

Exhibiting in a cave for the first time, she shared her excitement: “Thanks to the biennial, this dream of mine came true, and my works met with the audience in ‘Yalan Dünya’ Cave. Until now, as someone who explored caves, I always looked from the outside, but this time the cave itself was part of the exhibition. It’s difficult to describe the atmosphere—sharing my art with viewers in the place where I feel it most belongs was an unforgettable experience.”

The biennial also features works from Thomas Jackson (USA) and Diana Orving (Sweden).

Jackson noted: “What I love to do is take human-made materials, place them in natural landscapes, and make them mimic nature,” while Orving reflected: “The themes I explore are based on transformation, movement, and the flow of nature.”

The Second Türkiye Textile Biennial remains open to visitors until 13 April 2025.