08.01.2025
The Slow Looking Workshops, aimed at fostering deep connections with art, continue in January at various Arkas Art locations. These creative events, open to participants of all ages, combine mindfulness and art therapy.
Designed for those who wish to experience the therapeutic and transformative power of art, the Slow Looking Workshops at Arkas Art began on December 28-29. These workshops, which will continue throughout the year at various Arkas Art locations, stand out with their awareness-focused content tailored to different age groups.
The Slow Looking Workshops at Arkas Art aim not only to encourage participants to observe artworks but also to foster deep connections with them and create personal meanings through these connections. Designed by art therapist and instructor Seren P. Ildogan, the workshops combine mindfulness techniques with expressive art therapy methods. While not intended as therapy sessions, the workshops seek to offer participants an experience of art’s and creativity’s healing and transformative effects, providing a space for self-awareness and personal insight.
JANUARY PROGRAM DETAILS
Rhythm of Imaginary Planets
(Parent-Child Art Interaction Workshop, Ages 5-8)
Following in the footsteps of Joan Miró, parents and children embark on a journey to explore their imaginations together! This workshop, designed to support harmonious interaction between parents and children, encourages them to share their creativity and build a deeper connection. Inspired by Miró’s quote, “Forms constantly transform into something else, giving birth to new forms,” families will use collage techniques to create their own imaginary planets. Each group will discover the unique rhythm of their planet through various musical instruments. In addition to individual experiences, we will combine the sounds of all the planets to create a collective melody. This shared melody will echo the sounds of a mysterious universe enriched by the imagination and creativity of the families.
Date: January 18, Saturday
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Arkas Art Center
Reflections
(Adult Workshop)
At Arkas Art Bornova Mattheys Mansion, we embark on a Slow Looking exploration of the rich collection of Anatolian rugs produced between the 16th and 19th centuries in Western and Central Anatolia. Delving into the hidden patterns and colors woven into each rug, we will trace the marks they leave on our inner world. Following this awareness-focused visual journey, participants will have the opportunity to create their own artwork using various artistic materials. Drawing inspiration from the cultural and aesthetic richness of the rugs, the workshop offers a space for us to express our emotions creatively.
Date: January 18, Saturday
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Arkas Art Bornova Mattheys Mansion
Duality Game
(Adult Workshop)
Inspired by Victor Vasarely’s captivating optical illusions, we explore the power of art to hold two opposing possibilities simultaneously. Much like in Vasarely’s works, participants in this workshop will experiment with transforming duality into a creative experience driven by imagination. We will discover how art can reflect both pain and beauty at once, opening doors to new worlds, filling us with inspiration, and rekindling the creative potential we often think we’ve lost. Drawing from the individual images and sensations awakened by optical illusions, each participant will create a unique artwork that expresses their inner world. This creative journey will unfold through the dialogue between images, creating space for new possibilities, unexpected surprises, and a personal search for meaning.
Location: Arkas Art Alacati
Date: January 19, Sunday
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Participation Requirements
No prior knowledge of art is required to participate in the workshops. Anyone with an interest in art and creativity is invited to join this experience.
Who is Seren P. Ildogan?
Seren P. Ildogan is an expressive art therapist and educator, and the founder of Curative Arts. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the European Graduate School’s Expressive Arts: Therapy, Coaching, Consulting & Education, Conflict Transformation & Peacebuilding program in Switzerland, and she conducts academic work in this field.
In her practice, she provides holistic and expressive art therapy to adults through both online and in-person individual counseling sessions. Alongside her work with various institutions and groups, she also conducts art therapy workshops and professional development training in the field. Additionally, she organizes mindfulness-based art viewing projects and therapeutic art workshops in museum settings.
For more information about the Slow Looking Workshops at Arkas Art, you can visit the Arkas Art Center website and purchase tickets via Biletix: https://arkassanatmerkezi.com/arkas-sanatta-yavas-bakis/
