An exhibition titled "We’ve Been at the Tapestry Studio Since the 90s" has opened at Salt Beyoğlu in Istanbul, exploring the unique pedagogical and artistic approach of the Tapestry Studio at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSÜ). Founded in 1976–77 by painter and academic Zekai Ormancı, the studio combined carpet weaving education with contemporary art, fostering a collaborative "learning together" model. In 1992, visual artist and academic Gülçin Aksoy joined as an assistant, transforming the space into a hub of creative dissent and interdisciplinary exchange that spilled into Istanbul's broader contemporary art scene during the 2000s.
The exhibition matters because it highlights an alternative model of art education that prioritizes flexibility, openness, and inclusivity—values often absent in traditional academic settings. By tracing the studio's impact on feminist circles, independent art initiatives, and interdisciplinary collectives, the show underscores how grassroots, collective production can shape a city's cultural landscape. It also serves as a tribute to Aksoy, who passed away in 2024, and to the enduring legacy of a space that blurred boundaries between craft, art, and life.