Breaking Through a Dam at Salt Beyoğlu: Art Against Colonial Extractivism
From April 22 to August 23, 2026, Salt Beyoğlu in Istanbul will host "Breaking Through a Dam," an exhibition that investigates the violent impacts of colonial extractivism on the environment. Curated by Gülce Özkara, with contributions from editor Ezgi Yurteri and translator Çağla Özbek, the exhibit embraces the Turkish notion of yerdeşlik. The title draws inspiration from Noura Erakat's statement: "We are breaking through a dam—keep pushing." Featured works include Dima Srouji's video installation A Crack in the Water Followed by Return (2023), an interview with former president Süleyman Demirel by Aslıhan Demirtaş, Evrim Kaya's film See! (2026), Yelta Köm's installation I was always with you (2026), and textiles by the Al-Wah'at Collective, highlighting the urgency of redefining our connection with nature.
Key facts
- Exhibition at Salt Beyoğlu, Istanbul, from April 22 to August 23, 2026.
- Curated by Gülce Özkara with editor Ezgi Yurteri and translator Çağla Özbek.
- Title inspired by Noura Erakat's quote: 'We are breaking through a dam—keep pushing.'
- Features Dima Srouji's A Crack in the Water Followed by Return (2023), a video installation in a bathtub.
- Includes Aslıhan Demirtaş's interview with Süleyman Demirel about dam-building in Türkiye.
- Evrim Kaya's film See! (2026) juxtaposes Erden Kıral's A Season in Hakkari with contemporary scenes.
- Yelta Köm's installation I was always with you (2026) explores communication and surveillance in Istanbul.
- Al-Wah'at Collective presents Wild Hedges series using cactus paper and cochineal ink.
- Exhibition concept draws on Turkish word yerdeşlik ('being-with-place').
- Carla Bley's 1988 jazz piece is featured in Srouji's installation.
Entities
Artists
- Dima Srouji
- Aslıhan Demirtaş
- Evrim Kaya
- Yelta Köm
- Al-Wah'at Collective
- Carla Bley
- Erden Kıral
- Süleyman Demirel
- Noura Erakat
Institutions
- Salt Beyoğlu
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- Istanbul
- Türkiye
- Oslo
- Norway
- Euphrates River
- Keban Dam
- Akbelen
- Hasankeyf
- Hakkari
- Pera
- Mexico
- Spain
- Palestine