About
Through The Window, facilitated by Dutch philosopher and writer Simon(e) van Saarloos, artist and LGBTQIA+ rights activist Kübra Uzun, digital media and communication expert Zekican Sarısoy and photography artist and curator Ömer Tevfik Erten aka ÖTE, aims to support queer artists from Turkey, the Netherlands, and beyond, to grow together through collective thinking, creating, and enjoying, and to expand the network of interaction. The project, which started online in 2020 with the support of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Istanbul, completed its subsequent three rounds (2021, 2022, 2023) with the support of the Prince Claus Fund. Each round of Through The Window lasts for two months. With all its components, Through The Window focuses on equality, diversity, and unity by designing online exhibitions, talks, workshops, and parties. TTW is preparing for its fifth iteration and exhibition themed 'TTW Sees Fire' between April and June 2024 with Simon(e) van Saarloos, Zekican Sarısoy, Kübra Uzun and thirty artists.
Kübra Uzun
“Where the window is and where it opens through is as important as the presence of the window itself. Nowadays, being together and moving are more important than ever and Through The Window provides us with the space we need".
Simon(e) van Saarloos
“Through the Window is love. It's the feeling of starting the night at a queer club. It is to come across the works of the artists-to-know at the exhibition lounge that you have visited for a friend. It is to call on your activist friend months later, after having a passionate conversation at an organization months ago although you didn't meet them face to face yet, and simply ask "Would you like to work together?".
Zekican Sarısoy
It should come as no surprise what progress Through The Window has actually achieved so far, as our collective creativity is something that extends over time and evolves regularly. It is a project that emerged as a response to such a crisis of pandemic. Emergencies are a time window where, most of the time, new ideas and opportunities arise into. Although it is beyond the realms of possibility to predict the long-term effects of such growing spaces and awareness, it is crystal clear that the power and influence of people did not scale down during those times. Movements around the world have adapted to get organized remotely; and they still are. They lay their foundations, sharpen their messages and ceaselessly plan their strategies for future; and for those who work in the field of digital media, every breath and every idea turns into something that surprises us, something that we meditate on, and that goes beyond co-working and inspires us.
Artists
Ada M. Patterson, Ajša Vera Dorothy Zdravković, Andru Suarez Rojas, Angel-Ho, Anto López Espinosa, Ardıl Yalınkılıç, Aroth U., Bebe Berat Bebek, Bongiwe Phakathi, Burçak Tekin, ceytengri, Dewi Hartono, 4-i, el1fkk, Eloy Cruz del Prado, Elyla, Emir Erkaya, Jacquie Davis, Jayda Reeberg, Kabi Kimari, Kins of Spade, Amaqhawekazi Emafini Malamlela, Manuel Gabriel Tzoc Bucup, Metehan Törer, Moenirah Daniels, NeuroElfje, Rubén Barrios Rodríguez, SPNDEX, Syntia, Üzüm Derin Solak, Yasemin
Conversation: Yer Var? Got A Place to Crash, Baby? – May 07, 2022
Moderator: Simon(e) van Saarloos
Speakers: DeLovie Kwagala (UG), Paula Chaves Bonilla (Latin American Diaspora in NL), Melis Nots (TR)
Conversation: A Carousel Conversation – June 22, 2022
Speakers: ceytengri (TR), Jacquie Davis (NL), Moenirah Daniels (SA), Syntia (TR), Anto López Espinosa (NL), Andru Suarez Rojas (CO), Berat Bebek / BB (NL), Kabi Kimari (KE)
*Two parties were hosted by Club CoWed, the first on May 7, 2022 and the second on June 22, 2022. So many thanks to AÏDA SALANDER (NL), Özlem Güngören (TR), BuseNin (TR), DJ Shahmaran (NL), Mx. Sür (TR) and Kerem (TR). Also many thanks to My Kali Magazine (JO) for their partnership; ‘Eski Dostum’ by Ko Shin Moon (FR) feat. Cem Köklükaya (TR) for the video screening, and Narcissa (LEBN) for the wonderful performance.
Artists
71 cm skandal travesti Kiki Haram ggNash, Ahmet Rüstem Ekici, Alev Ersan, Can Küçük, Damla Şahinbaş, Dandelion Eghosa, Diren Demir, Elçin Acun, Ghaith Qoutainy, Hakan Sorar, Hala Namer, İsmet Köroğlu, Kalib Batta, Mala Kenza Badi, Mert Çağıl Türkay, Mmaapengo Námoda, Nash Caldera, Noli, Onur Karaoğlu, Sadiqa, Ünal Bostancı
Conversation: University and Activism – April 17, 2021
Moderator: Simon(e) van Saarloos
Speakers: Willie Ray (TR), Simone Zeefuik (NL), Ari P. Büyüktaş (TR), Nina Köll (NL)
Conversation: Intersectional Pride – June 24, 2021
Moderator: Simon(e) van Saarloos
Speakers: Dino Suhonic (NL), Beren Azizi (TR), Emrah Karakuş (TR), Olympia Latupeirissa (NL)
*Club CoWed hosted two parties, the first on 17 April 2021 and the second on 24 June 2021. We would like to thank our Dj's, Larissa b2b Jtamul (TR), Jasmine Perez (NL), Fitgirl (NL), Antre SX (TR) & Çiçek Çocuk (TR).
Artists
Akış Ka, Dagg3r, Ateş Alpar, Bulut B. Sezer, Efemine, Fırat Uran, Gayatri Kodikal, Jaleh Nezamdoustroudsari, Joy Brandsma, Khadija El Kharraz Alami, Magda On Curve, MAKHism, Meltem Sarıkaya, Mini Maxwell, Mira Thompson, Yaz Taşçı, Paula Chaves Bonilla, Prins Chris, Ugemfo, Vinita Gatne
Conversation: Queer Aktivism – July 25, 2020
Moderator: Simon(e) van Saarloos
Speakers: So Roustayar (NL), Lilith HB (TR), Maha Youssef (NL), Kültigin Kağan Akbulut (TR)
Conversation: Artsy Queers – September 1, 2020
Moderator: Simon(e) van Saarloos
Speakers: Shishani Vranckx (NL), Lalu Özban (TR), Sanne Pols (NL)
*Two successive parties took place first on July 25, 2020 and the second on September 1, 2020; all hosted by Club CoWed. Special thanks to our DJs: DJMAMAKIL (NL), Q-BRA (TR), discourse (NL), Sky Deep (NL), Mx. Sür (TR) and Ece Özel (TR).