The Türkiye Textile Biennial has returned for its second edition, transforming historical locations across Antalya into immersive art spaces. Under the curatorship of Nihat Özdal, this year’s theme, “Wave Fabric,” highlights the essential role of water in textile production. The event runs until 13 April 2025.
Taking place from 22 February to 13 April, The biennial is organised by the Gazipaşa District Governorship and features exhibitions in key historic sites in Gazipaşa and Alanya. Among the featured venues are 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 underscored the textile sector’s high water consumption, 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 member of the Anatolian Speleology Group Association (ASPEG), studies the artistic and geological elements of caves.
Discussing her first exhibition in a cave, she expressed: “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.”
Among the artists also presenting at the biennial are Thomas Jackson (USA) and Diana Orving (Sweden).
Jackson described his creative process: “What I love to do is take human-made materials, place them in natural landscapes, and make them mimic nature,” while Orving explained her thematic inspiration: “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.
