As the countdown continues for Marble İzmir – 31st International Natural Stone and Technologies Expo, production has begun at the Sculpture Workshop, one of the event’s key highlights. Within the scope of the workshop, sculptures created by six artists at Fuar İzmir until April 8, 2026, will be exhibited in Hall D throughout Marble İzmir. After the expo, the artworks will be relocated to various points across İzmir and permanently displayed in public spaces.
Organized by İZFAŞ and hosted by the İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, the Sculpture Workshop aims to extend marble beyond the exhibition grounds and bring it into the urban landscape. Initiated upon the suggestion of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay, the workshop features sculptors working on marble blocks through a live production model. The production process will be open to visitors, offering art enthusiasts the opportunity to witness firsthand the transformation of natural stone into works of art. Curated by sculptor Ekin Erman, the workshop brings together distinguished artists from across Türkiye: Bahadır Hızol, Çağdaş Erçelik, Dilşad Akçayöz, Orhan Gazi Keskin, Özkan Arslan, and Tonguç Sercan, who continue their work on marble blocks.
Marble becomes immortal through art
Highlighting the concept behind the initiative, curator Ekin Erman said, “This workshop was designed based on the idea of our Mayor Cemil Tugay. With this initiative, the impact of Marble İzmir will extend beyond the exhibition grounds. It is very important for the sculptures produced here to meet the city.”
Drawing attention to the long natural formation process of marble, Erman emphasized that its permanence becomes even stronger when combined with art: “We are talking about a material that has formed over millions of years. Marble is already an immortal stone, and through art it reaches an even greater level of permanence. Today, many things are quickly consumed and discarded. However, when a marble sculpture is placed in a public square, it can exist for centuries. There are marble sculptures that have stood for thousands of years, and we still admire them. We will become part of that chain. That’s why this process is very exciting for us.”
Sculptures to become part of the city’s memory
Erman noted that the approximately 25-day production process is progressing at an intense pace, with experienced artists who are well acquainted with marble quickly completing their sketches and beginning their work. Emphasizing the direct relationship sculpture establishes with its audience, Erman stated, “Sculpture is somewhat different from other art forms. You can touch it, sit next to it, and form a direct connection with it. That’s why I find its presence in urban life very important and valuable.”
The works created during the workshop will be exhibited in Hall D at Fuar İzmir during Marble İzmir, held between April 14–17, 2026. Following the expo, the sculptures will be installed in various locations across İzmir, where they will take their place as permanent elements of the city.