Gallery Apel tries to explore a topical theme at least once in its yearly program, and aims to share with viewers diverse interpretations of this theme by a large number of artists. The theme “mines and ores” was selected within this line for the exhibition held by Gallery Apel concurrently with the 14th International Istanbul Biennial.

In prehistoric times, humans discovered ores that are often hidden underground in nature, and began to search for ways to make use of these ores. Many epics have been composed of stories glorifying the feats of human beings who could pierce mountains and smelt the ores. Parallel to cultural and technological developments, humankind’s relationship with mines grew ever closer.The fact that passages in mines through which minerals such as coal and copper are transported from underground to the surface are called galleries may also act as a reminder of the function assumed by art galleries today. The production of art may well be one of the most humane of cultural activities. The traces, associations, and values of recent history are hidden in works of art that come to life in galleries. At the same time, the deceptive spell of the magnificence built upon the extremely harsh working conditions in mines, the labor massacres in mining accidents, and historical and current exploitations of labor may inspire alternative points of departure for the production of art.We would like to thank our artists for their contribution.Nuran Terzioğlu