Nature, Gardens & Fantasies

The Arkas Family, though of French Origin, have a history in Turkey that goes back to 1902 when the company carrying their name was founded. I’m guessing the family actually arrived in the country earlier than that, but for my purposes knowing this much is enough.

In the building where the French Consulate is housed, two floors are dedicated as the Arkas Art Center. The family frequently sponsors art exhibits here … often featuring pieces from their own collection. We've gone to several of these exhibits over the years … none have disappointed. This one — Nature, Gardens, and Fantasies in the Arkas Collection — did not either.

The exhibit is billed as offering “… the opportunity to reconsider the relationship between art, nature, garden and humankind … .” Mom, Aylin, Deniz, and I went to the exhibit together. None of us was familiar with any of the artists, but their pieces inspired a feeling of peace and quiet. I also enjoyed the few tapestry pieces with the same theme. Even the vases on display were selected in the same vein.

After wandering around the exhibit, the four of us went to Léone, a popular patisserie, for afternoon tea. We were lucky with our timing as the place filled up within minutes of our arrival. A sweet treat was the perfect way to wrap up our day.Read more