Sail to Hope – Solo Exhibition by Esra Kizir Gokcen
March 28, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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With Sail to Hope, Esra Kizir Gokcen presents her response to the far-reaching effects of globalisation. Born from human empathy rather than political drive, her work questions the hierarchies that place humans above other life forms.
In paintings inspired by Eastern miniature art, natural forces intermingle with crowds of abstract shapes and figures to represent the movements of people and cultures between past and present. Collaged paper boats folded from world maps symbolise the shared humanity of precarious passages too often reduced to numbers in news headlines.
The ubiquitous origami vessels also feature in a large-scale multi-media installation at the heart of the exhibition. These were co-created in workshops with diverse community groups. Participants christened each boat with a personal message of hope, inspiring the exhibition title. A soundscape by Grammy-winning jazz saxophonist Tim Garland complements this collaborative work.
The artists have worked together since 2023, when Garland commissioned Gokcen to create paintings for his orchestral work. Visuals for the current Moment of Departure tour constitute part of this exhibition. Tim Garland will play a selection from his current CD in several intimate concerts on both Saturdays. The afternoon performances will be followed by a Q&A with both artists who believe art can communicate positive messages and elevate the resilience of the human spirit. A selection of prints and posters are available in support of War Child.
The exhibition open times are as follows:
Monday-Friday 12noon – 7pm
Saturday 11am – 2pm
Sunday 12non – 4pm
Click on the booking links for the music and art afternoons on 1 March and 8 March
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