Iznik Ceramic Glaze research Turkey
By enriching the Iznik ceramic art with external knowledge and inspiration, the art can be deepened and broadened to secure it for generations to come.
Intensive Workshop 12 Dutch Designers at Iznik Foundation Ateliers Togethe r with Dutch design curator Gijs Stork, Iznik Foundation has inv ited a group of highly creative Dutch designers to visit its ateliers in Iznik, Turkey. From May 21st to May 27th 2017, the group of designers will work at the Foundation's production and design facilities.
Designers involved are Juliaan Andeweg, Erik Boogerd, Chris Kabel, Klaas Kuiken, OS & OOS, Wouter Paijmans, Mike Pratt, Studio rENs, Juliette Warmerhoven and Frank Brugggeman. Of these 10 studios, 12 designers and designers will participate in the project. The results from their efforts will be showcased at exhibition venues in Turkey and the Netherlands in the summer and fall of 2017. The project is generously supported by Iznik Foundation and The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Istanbul.
Inspiration
The main inspiration for the project was the 2005 Ciniicin Exhibition held at the Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya) in Istanbul. For this event, 16 Turkish and international designers were asked to design their interpretation of the Iznik tile. This collaboration resulted in 16 versatile designs, both traditional and modern produced as complete tile panels. Similar to this exhibition, the design created by the Dutch designers will produced by the Iznik Foundation in a limited quantity.
Objectives
In addition to keeping the craftsmanship of Iznik tile and ceramic art alive, the Iznik Foundation is aiming at further developing Iznik art through research and innovation, both in the field of production as well as design. One of the main ways to do so is by collaborating with designers from all over the world. The collaboration with the Dutch designers can be seen in this light as well. Traditional craftsmanship and production methods are the backbone of the Iznik art developed by Iznik Foundation. However, there is a significant added value in the exchange of thoughts between these external designers with their backgrounds, knowledge and skills with the craftsmen of Iznik Foundation. By enriching the Iznik ceramic art with external knowledge and inspiration, the art can be deepened and broadened to secure it for generations to come.