"Inheritance and Innovation" (繼往開來) Ümit Turgay Durgun Sculpture Solo Exhibition

Ümit Turgay Durgun from Istanbul, Turkey, is a cross-disciplinary artist who combines street graffiti with public sculpture. His creations are deeply inspired by ancient civilizations, mythological narratives, and architectural vocabularies. He excels at using materials such as stone, stainless steel, and bronze, combining classical craftsmanship with contemporary thinking to explore core issues such as inheritance, transformation, and human evolution. In terms of material usage, he is highly open, selecting the most suitable media based on the concept of each piece, including wood, steel, aluminum, marble, granite, quartzite, basalt, bronze, and ceramics. He is also involved in the development of kinetic and mechanical sculptures, personally participating in everything from design and programming to structural construction and detail processing, creating a unique tension between classical craftsmanship and technical vocabulary.

The theme of this exhibition, "Inheritance and Innovation" (繼往開來), aims to present the dynamic relationship between "inheritance" and "transformation." The works not only carry historical and cultural contexts but also reflect the spirit of reconstruction and generation in creation. In material selection and craftsmanship, Durgun demonstrates profound mastery and innovative experimentation. Some works even feature built-in programmed control systems, which, through slow and precise movement, give the sculptures a life-like rhythmic motion. The audience can feel the tension and rhythm woven in space through dynamic interaction with the works. Additionally, the artist's new work "Rise" (崛起 - We Symbiosize) debuts in this exhibition, guiding viewers to contemplate the biological, cultural, and emotional memories they carry.