ISTANBUL.- Internationally renowned Tabanlıoğlu Architects unveiled Thru, a bespoke experiential installation created in collaboration with lighting and furniture atelier Aqua Creations. Commissioned by lighting specialist TEPTA to celebrate its 25th anniversary at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Thru is part of “Day, Light, Night”, the first exhibition in Turkey to focus exclusively on lighting, showcasing nine different artworks and installations, curated by leading lighting designer Ulrike Brandi.

Thru concentrates the senses on the visual and reflective aspects, encouraging visitors to experience numerous perspectives through shifting streams of altering light and reflections. Designed by Tabanlıoğlu Architects as a compact 3.5 x 4.5m cube with 17 mirrored and 10 translucent silk panels hanging suspended and fractured throughout the space as though floating – Thru is a labyrinth to walk within and through. On entry, the main source of illumination emanates from the Aqua Creation pendant-like ‘VAL’ at the centre of the installation which projects images from NASA explicitly focused on the theme “Day, Light, Night”. The illuminations propel the viewer deeper inwards while light diffuses through the slits between the panels and reflects up from the glazed floor. Seeking a playfully intense experience, viewers are welcome to immerse themselves in the created daylight.

Inspired by the reflective capacity of a mirror to create numerous perspectives, Tabanlıoğlu Architects intends Thru to capture the viewer’s imagination via a mix of visual play, reflection and diffusion. Every step taken into Thru conveys a new surprise, with coincidental images illustrating the paradoxical narrative of “Day, Light, Night”, i.e. left becomes right, one becomes many. The silk fabrics of Aqua Creations, wrapped around the slight panelled frames materialize the wall of serenity while at the same time imposing a translucent glow.

Discussing Thru, Melkan Gürsel of Tabanlioglu Architects said: “We are always open to international alliances with leading figures of various disciplines. Under the curatorial direction of Ulrike and with TEPTA’s organisation, we are happy to be a part of another creative team and product, in collaboration with Aqua Creations. The installation, Thru, benefits from the lightness of the silk and the generative capacity of the mirrors; together they establish a labyrinth, guiding the visitor towards the source of illumination. A simple and serene way to complement light.”

Emphasising the light as the source of imagery on Earth, Murat Tabanlıoğlu adds; “Light is vital, also as the source of heat, and has been a divine phenomenon for many civilizations. With 'Thru - Veritas and Vision' we wanted to highlight the essential nature of light, and our interpretation includes involving the audience in an immersive experience, while surprising them at the same time”.