CULTURAL LAYERS AND MASKS

Dokuz Eylul University Fine Arts Faculty member, artist Atilla Cengiz Kilic’s 15th solo exhibition “Cultural Layers” met with art lovers at Kocaeli Seka Art Center between April 15-27, 2025.

ASSOC. PROF. M. CANDAN GUNGOR

In the exhibition titled “Cultural Layers”, the subject of “Faces, Traces, Identities”, which Atilla Cengiz Kilic has been researching for a long time, was the main theme of his wall works and three-dimensional works. The artist completed his works with surfaces enriched with raw overglaze luster applications developed in the reducing atmosphere.

Kilic explains the theme of his works in the exhibition as follows:“Throughout history, masks have been magical tools that have transformed not only faces but also identities. From exorcists to noble figures, from shamans to hunters, masks have always symbolized a specific purpose, need or situation. So, what is the driving force behind this timeless quest? Why do people feel the need to hide, change or transform their faces?

The answer to this question is hidden in the labyrinth of prejudices. The face is the mirror of an identity; a complex map enriched by elements such as color, expression and geography. However, this map can sometimes be misleading. While the face reflects the inner world, psychology, education and society of the person, it can also be the source of prejudices.

By covering one’s face with a mask, a person seeks to hide his reality, create a different impression, or avoid prejudice. This is an attempt to hide not only from the outside world, but also from our own inner world. The important thing is to go beyond the surface image and reach the truth behind the mask.”

In this text, Atilla Cengiz Kilic emphasizes that masks are not just physical objects, but also a reflection of human psychology and social dynamics.