Semiha Berksoy: Aria of All Colors

Semiha Berksoy: Tüm Renklerin Aryası (Aria of All Colors) celebrates one of Türkiye’s most pioneering and multifaceted artists. Presented at Istanbul Modern, the exhibition brings together more than 200 works spanning painting, opera, theatre, cinema and literature, offering an expansive look at Berksoy’s extraordinary creative universe.

Known for crossing boundaries between the performing and visual arts, Berksoy developed a distinctive artistic language shaped by her deep connection to the stage. The exhibition traces this relationship through early drawings, opera-inspired paintings, self-portraits, portraits and large-scale works on fabric, while also highlighting her contributions to Turkish theatre, opera and cinema.

Her performances, paintings, writings and role in Istanbul Streets, Türkiye’s first sound film, reveal an artist whose life and work were closely intertwined. Rather than presenting Berksoy solely as a painter or opera singer, the exhibition explores the full range of her artistic identity and the personal mythology she created throughout her career.

Located within the Galataport waterfront district, Istanbul Modern is also well placed for visitors looking to combine an afternoon of art with a walk along the Bosphorus, shopping and dining in the surrounding area. Aria of All Colors offers an engaging introduction to one of Türkiye’s most distinctive cultural figures and a fascinating perspective on the country’s modern artistic history.