x-ist is hosting a thematic exhibition titled "Lucy in The Sky With Diamonds" from December 21 to January 20, featuring three artists: Dolce Paganne, Merve Atılgan, and Tuba Şamlı Atilla. The concept of the exhibition belongs to Büşra Soydemir.
Inspired by The Beatles' psychedelic song "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," the artists bring their creations to life, inviting the audience into their mystical universes, drawing from the transcendental atmosphere evoked by the song.
The story behind the exhibition begins with the guitarist and vocalist of the band, John Lennon, when his son Julian showed him a painting. Julian dedicated his starry sky painting to his kindergarten friend Lucy, presenting it to his father as "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds." Although the song is rumored to be inspired by the hallucinogenic landscape it portrays, with the initials forming LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Lennon and other Beatles members argue that the lyrics emerged independently, largely derived from the literary style and abstract structure of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland."
Dolce Paganne
Born in Istanbul, artist Ceren Aksungur, also known as Dolce Paganne, graduated from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Graphic Design Department in 2008. She completed her master's program at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp with honors (magna cum laude). Her works have been exhibited in galleries and cultural centers worldwide, including BOZAR Modern Arts Museum in Brussels, Haven Gallery (NY, USA), Outre (Melbourne, Australia), and New York Times Square. She received an award for the Universal Studios film "Old," directed by M. Night Shyamalan, as part of a campaign that won "Best Influencer Advertising Campaign" from Cynopsis Media. The artist continues her work in her studio in Istanbul.
Merve Atılgan
Illustrator, animator, and multidisciplinary artist Merve Atılgan, born in Istanbul, focused on illustration and children's books after graduating with honors from Maltepe University Faculty of Fine Arts Animation Department. In 2017, her illustrations, concept, and character designs for the Akbank Jazz Festival's "Jazz from Films" project won a Bronze Stevie Award in the "Best Use Of Instagram" category. The same year, her illustration "Masked Adult Museum" received the Cheltenham Illustration Award in the UK. Atılgan has produced illustrations for many children's books published worldwide and in Turkey, winning several awards. Her illustrated book "Deep Forest," where she is both the author and illustrator, was selected for Illustrofest in Serbia and exhibited in Belgrade. It was also a finalist at the Shanghai Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Awards and showcased at the Shanghai Children's Book Fair. Atılgan continues to create for publishers, magazines, and exhibitions in her studio.
Tuba Şamlı Atilla
Born in Ankara, artist Tuba Şamlı Atilla graduated from Avni Akyol Fine Arts High School, followed by Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Graphic Design Department. Since 2001, she has worked as an art director and creative director in international advertising agencies, contributing to memorable advertising campaigns for well-known brands. Simultaneously with her advertising career, she continues to work as a freelance designer, illustrator, toy designer, and writer. She has written and illustrated eight books in children's and youth literature. Among her works are "The Eye on the Top" from Redhouse Kidz Publications, the "Cici" series from Artemis Çocuk, and the "Wise and Time Machine" series from Meav Yayıncılık. Atilla's creations span various fields as she actively continues her production life.