Exhibition to show off priceless fans

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The exhibition displays fans dating back to between1720 and 1900.

Sabancı Museum’s new exhibition, “Fans From Past to Present,” has opened to the public at the S.U. Sakıp Sabancı Museum (SSM) with a selection of rare fans.

The exhibition is presenting art lovers the private collection of Nurcan Artam, Artam Antik INC. CEO, which consists of around 120 rare fans dating back to between 1720 and 1900, as well as oil paintings that reflect the importance of fans as one of the most interesting accessories in the history of clothing.

Reflecting opera and art scene in the past

In addition, opera binoculars depicting gold, porcelain and enamel workmanship are also at the exhibition, reflecting the opera culture of yesteryear. The exhibition, which is highlighting the importance of fans throughout history in fashion, ceremonies and even during wars, will be open until Aug. 25.

“Fans, as one of the most interesting accessories of clothing, a key aspect in the history of culture, have formed a significant detail in fashion from antiquity to the 20th century. In addition to being an accessory in clothing, they have played a role in painting in Europe, especially in portraits,” SSM Director Nazan Ölçer said.

“We hope that through this valuable collection and the exhibition catalogue, we will help to create new enthusiasts. We are pleased to exhibit, for the first time in our museum, the meticulously and tastefully collected fans of Nurcan Artam, who has since long created a life filled with works of art and has adopted the mission of forming a bridge between many important collection pieces from the past centuries and their new owners,” she said.

Artam also shared her feelings on the fan exhibition, saying: “I am extremely pleased about opening the exhibition ‘Fan From Past to Present’ at the mansion … and collecting the ‘antique fans’ that form a group of my personal collections as well as the result of my professional work in the antiques and arts industry since 1981 in a book, carrying them forward, to future generations.”