Kalliopi Lemos's Haunting Installation in Abandoned Istanbul Lyceum Confronts Global Violence Against Women

At the 2013 Istanbul Biennial, Greek artist Kalliopi Lemos unveiled her exhibition 'I Am I, Between Worlds and Between Shadows' in a former girls' lyceum that ceased operations in 1988. The showcase included seven steel sculptures that fused human and animal characteristics, featuring pieces like 'Hen on Crutches' and 'Hanging Hare.' Graffiti-covered desks displayed news articles highlighting the harsh realities faced by women. Sound installations featured children's voices reciting alphabets and fairy tales. Some artworks tackled global issues, including school abuse in China and India, human trafficking in Vietnam, and domestic violence in Istanbul. 'Goat' represented the dualities of women's roles, while 'Hen with Two Faces' alluded to Goya's 'Caprichos,' transforming the dilapidated school into a space addressing female victimization.