Vocational School of Justice
IZMIR UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS; HELPS IMPROVE THE ART LIFE IN THE CITY
Old historical houses in the back alleys of Izmir’s Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar are being renovated to serve the art world. Thomas Keogh, Lecturer at Izmir University of Economics Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, who got highly impressed by the historical texture of the city, brought one of the historical houses on Ismet Inonu Street, where Ismet Inonu Museum House is also located at, into use by students and international artists. In his ‘Maquis Projects Kemeraltı’ titled art space, Keogh helps international artists to get to know Izmir better and carry out their art work. Meanwhile, students of IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, get a chance to gain experience from these international artists.
Keogh stated that the historical texture of Izmir attracted the attention of international art community, and his project allowed artists to showcase their work. He said, “Kemeraltı and its surroundings have a promising future. You can see areas like this in many European countries, especially in England. Historical buildings are being used for art. We have two studios, where the artists can work on their pieces. The project provides students studying at Izmir University of Economics a great opportunity by allowing them to work with international artists and gain experience, and to work on their own art work at the same time.” Keogh also mentioned that the artists knew the city very well, and they were able to find all kinds of materials they needed in the city, and he said that the students were exposed to world renowned artists and art.
‘Studied the local texture of the city for 2 months’
The art space showcasing the art of a different artist each month, welcomed Irish Artist Aoife Collins. Collins, whose artwork is being exhibited at IUE Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, stated “Students of Izmir University of Economics volunteered in my work. I got a chance to study the local texture of the city for two months, and reflected this in my artwork.”