Semiha Berksoy's First German Retrospective at Hamburger Bahnhof
The Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart in Berlin is hosting the inaugural extensive retrospective of Semiha Berksoy (1910–2004), a Turkish painter and opera singer. This exhibition showcases more than 80 artworks, along with archival materials, film excerpts, and audio recordings, emphasizing her ties to Berlin and her two fervent interests. Significant themes encompass her bond with her mother, Fatma Saime, her connection to poet Nazim Hikmet, and her memorable opera performances. Berksoy attended Hochschule für Musik in Berlin from 1936 to 1939 and performed in Ariadne auf Naxos in 1939. After World War II, she returned to Turkey, contributing to the Turkish State Opera and Ballet. Her art has been featured in global biennials, including a 1965 portrait at the 2024 Venice Biennale. The exhibition is organized by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath.
Key facts
- First comprehensive retrospective in Germany of Semiha Berksoy at Hamburger Bahnhof
- Berksoy studied at Hochschule für Musik in Berlin from 1936 to 1939
- Exhibition includes over 80 paintings and works on paper
- Berksoy starred in Ariadne auf Naxos in Berlin in 1939
- She supported establishment of Turkish State Opera and Ballet with Carl Ebert
- Solo exhibition at Haus am Lützowplatz in 1969
- Performed Liebestod at Lincoln Centre in New York in 2000 at age 90
- Curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath
Entities
Artists
- Semiha Berksoy
- Fatma Saime
- Nazim Hikmet
- Carl Ebert
- Richard Strauss
- Richard Wagner
Institutions
- Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart
- Hochschule für Musik Berlin
- Turkish State Opera and Ballet
- Ankara State Conservatory
- Haus am Lützowplatz
- Haus der Kulturen der Welt
- Martin-Gropius-Bau
- Lincoln Centre
- Venice Biennale
- Silvana Editoriale Milano
- Hamburger Bahnhof International Companions e.V.
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Turkey
- Ankara
- New York
- Venice
- Italy