About the exhibition:

Canim, as a word, is a Persian-rooted Turkish word that can be an expression of both genuine and phony compassion and intimacy. CANIM, as a body of work, is hand-drawn, painted, sewn cotton bedsheets that dive into the ebbs and flows of society's falsehood and authenticity through current expressions of Basak Kilicbeyli’s confused, fragile remembrance of childhood and puberty. Hanging these sheets on the line in a semi-public space is an inherently exposing yet intimate act, which encourages the sheets not only to surface their tactile memory, but also to seek a safe space for unsettled inner feelings of that memory. CANIM is a kind contemplation of Kilicbeyli’s innocent and orphan archetypes along with her bicultural and queer cravings, confessions, and internalized shame spiral.

CANIM will be on view on in the backyard of Da Vinci Art Alliance from June 28 - July 30 with an opening reception on Saturday, July 1st from 4-7pm.

About the artist:

Basak Kilicbeyli is a Philadelphia-based textile and printmaking artist from Turkey. With a BFA in Graphic Design from Yeditepe University, she ventured into the world of printmaking. Pursuing an MFA at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts further honed her craft in textiles and provided Basak with opportunities to be featured later in exhibitions at FRIEDA, Da Vinci Art Alliance, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and Usagi NY with Sounds About Riso. The Woodmere Art Museum proudly houses one of her pieces in the permanent collection, making her the collection's first Turkish queer woman artist.