‘Transhumances III’ is Galerie Philia’s artistic odyssey beyond studio walls

The walls of a studio can serve as a source of inspiration but can sometimes become a barrier to innovation. Although these spaces offer a specialised setting for concentrated work, they may also place limitations on the designer's viewpoint. The challenge is escaping the comfortable settings to investigate different ideas and gather inspiration from the outside world. Taking up this challenge of pushing designers and artists beyond their comfort zones, international contemporary design and modern art gallery Galerie Philia introduced Transhumances III, derived from the concept of seasonal migration observed in various living creatures, including bees. As bees act as pollinators when moving between plants and fertilising different species, the Transhumances residency aims to bring artists and designers together in a distanced world, closer to nature.

The residence was held in the central Turkish region of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has long served as an inspiration to artists and other creatives. Four international designers were invited to explore and get fully immersed in the region's rich history, distinctive architecture and otherworldly terrain as part of the residency. In a setting that fosters the bond between the artist and the Anatolian countryside, A.R.C. (A Residence of Creation) Taskonaklar hosted Italy -based Morghen Studio, French designer Elsa Foulon, Mexican designer Andrés Monnier , and the Netherlands -based designer Laura Pasquino from November 10 to 19, 2023. Against the backdrop of Cappadocia's bizarre rock formations, historic cave homes, and colourful cultural customs, each designer participating in the Transhumances III residency was asked to interact with the topography of the area and derive inspiration from meeting knowledgeable local craftspeople who have been practising their craft for centuries.

The selected designers were given the opportunity to brainstorm ideas with one another and to develop their practices outside of their studios throughout the residency. They had the opportunity to investigate local resources, such as semi-precious onyx and soft sandstone formed by historic volcanic eruptions, as well as red clay from the adjacent Red River, which has long supplied generations of local artisans. The designers then created original pieces that reflect the region’s craftsmanship and their particular styles owing to their access to the local materials and the specific craft processes that go along with them. These works will be on public display in an exhibition at the residence site until March 16, 2024.

During his residency, Andres Monnier worked in a nearby quarry alongside its employees, crafting a tiny side table and a set of candleholders out of leftover native travertine rock. These works highlight the regional stone's inherent texture as well as the skills of the local stonecutters. The multidisciplinary duo Morghen Studio investigated the essence of the region by crafting a chandelier out of a tree limb that was found close to the residency site. Their spectacular artwork, which dangles from the cave's ceiling, skillfully combines conventional methods with modern design ideas.

Ceramic artist Laura Pasquino, who resides in Amsterdam, showcases her unique use of earthy hues and textures in Landforms of the Red River, a collection of four sculptural vases made from the red clay of the area. The artist used a brush made from sticks that were found close to the residency site, as well as techniques from a local artisan. The surfaces of the neighbouring caves and chimneys are reflected in the textures of these pieces. Troglodyte Glows by ceramicist Elsa Foulon is a line of distinctive light sculptures crafted from regional white clay. The contours and fissures of the Cappadocia terrain are reflected in the organic shapes of the lighting design .

"We are excited to have chosen Cappadocia, Turkey, for the next iteration of Galerie Philia's nomadic art and design residency. Historically, it has been a place where different faiths, cultures, and philosophies meet and influence one another. Known for its remarkable landscape, exceptional troglodyte architecture, and inspiring multi-secular history, it seemed like the ideal region to stimulate the senses and foster a residency that places the importance of local communities, materials, and techniques at its heart. It is a great place to challenge our selected four designers to break free from the studio and connect with the creative energy of these dramatic surroundings and each other,” shares Ygaël Attali, Co-founder of Galerie Philia.

With the help of this unique residency, four international designers were able to leave their comfort zone and explore Cappadocia's unique architecture, rich history, and astounding natural features. The resulting artworks exhibit a harmonious fusion of creativity and cultural immersion, generated from the confluence of local resources, traditional craftsmanship, and contemporary design ideas. Galerie Philia has effectively built a bridge between the studio and the outside world with Transhumances III, fostering an inspiring dialogue between designers, artists, and the diverse beauty of Cappadocia's Anatolian countryside. These pieces on display celebrate the endless opportunities that emerge when artistic minds embrace the challenges of venturing beyond the walls of their studios.