International Textile Artist Fırat Neziroğlu Makes an Unforgettable Call: “Protect Me”
The 19th edition of Contemporary Istanbul is set to take place from October 24-27 in the historic atmosphere of Tershane Istanbul, bringing together art lovers.

One of the standout names this year is internationally renowned textile artist Fırat Neziroğlu. Blending ancient Anatolian weaving techniques with a modern approach, Neziroğlu will present five special works under the theme “Protect Me,” reaching out to viewers through C24 U Gallery.

His works are dedicated to animals on the verge of extinction, highlighting the healing power of art. Neziroğlu draws attention to the deep-rooted tradition of animal love and protection, dating back from the Central Asian steppes of the Turks to the Ottoman Empire, boldly addressing today’s indifference to animal rights and cultural erosion.

This powerful theme bridges the values of the past with the present, offering viewers a profound historical connection while raising important awareness about the vanishing love for nature and animals. Through each of his woven works, Neziroğlu aims to touch the hearts of viewers and ignite a light of hope for lives that have been destroyed.

About C24U Gallery:

Representing international textile artist Fırat Neziroğlu, C24 U Gallery was founded in Chelsea, New York in 2011 and stands out as a gallery emphasizing a pluralistic program by matching contemporary art with established artists. C24 U Gallery, which features in leading institutional collections worldwide, can be visited this year at booth T1-05.

Fırat Neziroğlu

Fırat Neziroğlu is a contemporary textile artist known for bringing a modern approach to the traditional weaving technique by incorporating elements of light, shadow, and space. His technique, which is patented in his name, is recognized within the world of contemporary art. Many universities around the globe teach this technique in their textile programs, and workshops titled “Weaving Like Fırat Neziroğlu” are organized by various textile communities and associations worldwide.

His life and art have been documented in master’s theses at Istanbul Technical University, Akdeniz University, and Süleyman Demirel University’s Institutes of Fine Arts, making him part of academic literature while still alive.

Neziroğlu has played a significant role in establishing the Faculty of Fine Arts and founding the Textile and Fashion Design Department at Bahçeşehir University.

His works reflect the real-life stories, emotions, and feelings he encounters in daily life. He creates realistic woven portraits and advocates the idea of “eye-to-eye contact” while reviving the meaning of Anatolian kilims for the present day.

In addition to working with color, texture, and form, Neziroğlu incorporates traditional Anatolian weaving techniques and local fibers into his art. For 25 years, he has been traveling across Anatolia, researching lost fabrics. He shares his knowledge with local weavers by reviving the production of traditional Anatolian fabrics and looms. This journey has led him to create the “Anatolian Weaving Map” and establish the Anatolian Textile Network, using these foundations to continue preparing clothing collections.

As a consultant for wearable technologies at Bilişim Vadisi, Neziroğlu continues his research on the biological technologies of natural fibers. He has developed the concept and name for Turkey’s national polar clothing.

In addition to his unique weaving technique, Neziroğlu produces felt sculptures, shaping wool material like a second skin to achieve perfection in his sculptural works.

Fırat Neziroğlu’s work falls within the “contemporary art” category, and his distinct patented technique has garnered great interest and respect worldwide. He has received numerous national and international awards.

As a consultant for wearable technologies at Bilişim Vadisi, Neziroğlu is also advising on fabric design for the new attire that Turkey aims to develop for polar regions, with the goal of establishing a presence in polar territories. 
 

Chronology

His artworks are represented by C24 Gallery in New York.

In 2000, Fırat Neziroğlu won 1st and 2nd prizes in the first-ever Fabric Design Competition held in Turkey, and he also received an award at the ITHIB fabric design competition.

In 2010, he was invited to Beijing for the Lausanne Biennial, the world’s most important Fiber Art event.

In 2011, many of his works were sold at Sotheby’s, the largest auction house in the world, in London.

Since 2012, his works have been sold at Christie’s, one of the most prestigious auction houses globally, and he became the only Turkish artist to feature on the cover of Christie’s.

In 2015, his works were exhibited at the Apart Festival in France.

Also in 2015, his video and woven installation works were showcased under the patronage of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Oslo.

In 2015, Neziroğlu’s work was the focus of the press announcement for Contemporary Istanbul.

In 2016, he was invited to Thailand to weave a special fabric for Queen Sirikit’s birthday celebration and was named Thailand Brand Ambassador in 2018.

In 2017, he was invited to Qatar to weave an art piece for Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

In 2018, he was commissioned from England to weave a portrait of Queen Elizabeth, which he successfully delivered.

In 2022, he received a special invitation from the Swedish Royalty to exhibit his works in Sweden.

His art is represented by galleries such as Harris & Erel Art in England, Casa D’ell Arte in Portugal, Hub Design in the U.S., and The Main Gallery in Australia.

In 2019, he was selected to the Advisory Board of Turkey’s Craft Heritage Institutions, Olgunlaşma Institutes, and started providing design consultancy to 24 institutes.

In 2018, he participated in New York Fashion Week with his YEN collection, introducing Anatolia to the world.

His fabric collections have been exhibited in London, Istanbul, Munich, New York, and Paris. His artworks have been displayed in Incheon, Washington, Hawaii, Kitakyushu, Shanghai, Tenjin, Bhonburi, New Delhi, Venice, Buenos Aires, Como, Rome, Maniago, Singapore, Marrakech, Dubai, Oslo, Mexico City, Paris, Adelaide, and Abu Dhabi.

He was invited to Norway by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, to Thailand by Queen Sirikit for a special weaving project, to Qatar by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for an art project, and to England to weave Queen Elizabeth’s portrait. His works were also exhibited in Sweden by special invitation from the Swedish Royal Family.

Neziroğlu was chosen as Thailand’s brand ambassador.

He was invited to the Lausanne Biennial, the world’s most significant fiber art event, and featured on the cover of Christie’s, one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses.

He showcased his ready-to-wear collection at New York Fashion Week.