TURKISH CULTURE AND ART LECTURE SERIES   From Tradition to Modernity - the Art of the Anatolian Kilim   Ali Rıza Tuna Independent Researcher WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017, 16:00-17:00 Conference will be held in English at TCF   The lecture develops the idea that Anatolian kilims offer outstanding aesthetics and can be appreciated at the same level as modern artworks. Anatolian kilims have been seen mostly as folk art and their appreciation has been based on closeness to traditional icons and tribal culture. While rooted in tradition, examples of Anatolian kilims have also reached quintessence of form and color, which raise them to the level of a universal fine art. In the West, the emergence of modern art required a definite break from the traditional fine arts. However Anatolian kilims have achieved the same or higher level of aesthetic qualities through centuries of refinement in symbolization and abstraction by the civilizations of Anatolia. How can freedom and novelty be achieved through tradition? This lecture offers new criteria for appreciation of the kilim, tracing parallels in color, form, and abstraction between kilims and works of Western modern art, including the painting of the impressionists and abstracts. Ali Rıza Tuna is an independent researcher, author and lecturer in various aspects of early Anatolian carpets. His current research focuses on the study of kilim and other weavings of Anatolia as well as the aesthetics and design development of Turkish rugs from the 13th through the 16th centuries.     TURKISH CULTURAL FOUNDATION ISTANBUL OFFICE Cumhuriyet Cad. Cumhuriyet Apt. No: 17/3 Taksim - Istanbul Seating is limited and registration is required. R.s.v.p. by January 24, 2017 to 212-297-4038 or lecture@turkishculture.org www.turkishculturalfoundation.org