As the countdown continues for Marble İzmir – International Natural Stone and Technologies Fair, production has begun at the Sculpture Workshop, one of the fair’s key events. Within the scope of the workshop, six sculptors will create their works at Fuar İzmir until April 8, 2026. The sculptures will be presented to visitors in Hall D throughout Marble İzmir. Following the fair, the artworks will be relocated to various parts of İzmir and permanently exhibited in public spaces.
Hosted by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality and organized by İZFAŞ, the Sculpture Workshop aims to bring marble beyond the fairground and into the city itself. Initiated upon the proposal of the Mayor of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, Dr. Cemil Tugay, the workshop features sculptors working on marble blocks through a live production model. The entire process will be open to visitors, allowing art enthusiasts to witness firsthand the transformation of natural stone into artworks. Curated by sculptor Ekin Erman, the workshop brings together prominent artists from across Türkiye, including Bahadır Hızol, Çağdaş Erçelik, Dilşad Akçayöz, Orhan Gazi Keskin, Özkan Arslan, and Tonguç Sercan, who continue their work on marble blocks.

Marble Becomes Immortal Through Art
Curator Ekin Erman highlighted the origins of the initiative, stating: “This workshop was designed based on an idea by Mayor Tugay. Through this initiative, the impact of Marble İzmir will extend beyond the fairground. It is very important for the sculptures produced here to meet the city.”
Drawing attention to marble’s long natural formation process, Erman emphasized that its permanence is further enhanced through art: “We are talking about a material that has formed over millions of years. Marble is already an enduring stone, but through art, it reaches an even greater level of permanence. Today, many things are quickly consumed and discarded. However, when a marble sculpture is placed in a public square, it can endure for centuries. There are marble sculptures that have stood for thousands of years, and we still admire them today. We, too, will become part of this chain. That is why this process is so exciting for us.”

Sculptures to Become Part of the City’s Memory
Erman noted that the production process, which will last approximately 25 days, is progressing at an intensive pace. He stated that experienced artists familiar with marble quickly completed their sketches and began working. Emphasizing the direct relationship sculpture establishes with its audience, Erman said: “Sculpture differs from other art forms. You can touch it, sit beside it, and form a direct connection with it. That is why I find it very important and valuable for sculpture to take its place in urban life.”
The works produced during the workshop will be exhibited in Hall D at Fuar İzmir during the Marble İzmir Fair, held between April 14–17, 2026. After the fair, the sculptures will be placed in various locations across İzmir and permanently integrated into the city’s public spaces.
 

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