“In fact, we are living on the very planet we call paradise. When we disconnect from nature, we disconnect from ourselves.”
– Merve Atılgan

Opened on April 10, 2025, at x-ist, Merve ATILGAN’s first solo exhibition, Other Side of the Universe, takes art enthusiasts on a mesmerizing journey. Drawing great interest on its opening day, the exhibition stands out with the artist’s profound narrative and powerful visual language.

A Ballerina, An Illustrator, A Storyteller

Defining herself as a “multidisciplinary artist and illustrator,” Merve ATILGAN has been immersed in ballet since the age of five. After studying animation and cartoon, she shifted her focus to illustration, creating children’s books that she both writes and illustrates, producing works both in Turkey and abroad. Now, she brings more complex and layered techniques to the heart of her art, evolving from digital to mixed media.

“I started with digital, but now I work with materials like dry pastel, acrylic, and watercolor. The layered production process feels more organic to me.”

A Narrative Tracing the Wild Woman, Rooted in Mythological Depth

The exhibition Other Side of the Universe presents a powerful narrative that highlights the suppressed nature of women and their inseparable bond with the natural world. Shaped by mythology, archaeology, and feminist historical interpretations, the exhibition centers around the wild woman archetype, the historical transformation of the “witch,” and the human connection to nature.

“The witch was originally a wise woman. Over time, she was turned into a negative image. I’m trying to invert these archetypes. This exhibition is a call to return—both to our bodies and our essence.”

In ATILGAN’s works, not only humans but also nature, forests, distant lands, and plants speak. The systematic suppression of both nature and women transforms into a form of protest in her art.

“We are not separate from nature. We are part of one another. What we call utopia is actually a world where we live in harmony with nature.”

Breaking the Codes

The exhibition questions the unsustainability of the current system and poses a central question to the viewer: Is a more equal, healthier, and nature-aligned utopia possible?

“The patriarchal system, which has lasted for thousands of years, is cracking. With this exhibition, I’m trying to plant an image that another world is possible. Because if an image exists, it has a chance to become reality.”

The Works and Techniques

The exhibition features 11 works in total—three digital prints and the rest original mixed media pieces. The artist layers different materials to build her own visual language.

“Each piece is a multifaceted journey, both in terms of technique and narrative. It also reflects my own inner transformation.”

Exhibition Details

Dates: April 10 – May 10, 2025
Location: x-ist
Instagram: @artxist

Art lovers can visit the exhibition for a full month. Merve ATILGAN will also be present at the gallery on certain days to have one-on-one conversations with visitors.