Organized by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Culture Inc., the exhibition showcases magnificent costumes used in the immersive experience of “The Scream of Medusa” within the 1,500-year-old Basilica Cistern. Directed by Başak Cankeş, one of the pioneers of “Wearable Art,” the exhibition features a collection that explores the applicability of a dance performance from a dialectical perspective, inspired by mythology.

Representing the wearable art movement, which refuses to conform to the variability and expectations of the fashion industry, Başak Cankeş, also the director, presents the first series that goes beyond the practice of creating collections adaptable to both aesthetic superiority and everyday life. Each costume in the series, designed by considering the applicability of the dance piece dialectically, is constructed based on the character’s journey and adapted to the physical conditions of the space where the show’s movement sequence, dancer, and performance are displayed.

The costume designs not only influence the decision the audience makes about the protagonist and antagonist concepts but also breathe life into the characters of the dancers while affecting the movement sequence used. The music for the exhibition is prepared by Tolga Büyük.

The 9 special costumes prepared for “The Scream of Medusa” performance can be viewed at the Basilica Cistern from January 10 to March 1, 2023.