Gallery Grounds Curator’s Statement – Artivist : by Gulcin P.T.

In a time marked by ecological crisis, social unrest, and increasing polarisation, Artivist brings together artists who refuse to remain silent. This exhibition stands at the intersection of art and activism — where aesthetics meet urgency, and creativity becomes a means of resistance, reflection, and renewal.

The artists in this show work across diverse media — from photography and text-based works to sculpture and installation — but they share a common thread: a commitment to confronting injustice, amplifying marginalised voices, and challenging the systems that shape our world.

A special highlight of this exhibition is the participation of Francesca Busca, an internationally recognised eco-artist whose practice transforms discarded materials into poetic, thought-provoking forms. Her presence and contribution embody the spirit of Artivist — not only through the work she creates, but through the questions she raises about consumption, waste, and the very fabric of sustainability in the art world. We are also honoured to host her closing talk, which will offer visitors a deeper insight into how art can function as both a mirror and a tool for change.

Some works in this show are deeply personal, rooted in lived experience; others speak broadly to systemic issues like climate collapse, gender inequality, or housing insecurity. Yet all invite us to pause, look closer, and listen — not only to the artists, but to the realities they illuminate.

Artivism is not simply a protest in visual form. It is a radical act of care, of storytelling, of presence. It opens space for emotion, contradiction, and complexity — and, most importantly, for hope. It reminds us that art can do more than decorate; it can move, disturb, provoke, and heal.

As the curator of this exhibition, I am honoured to hold space for these voices and visions. I thank each artist for their courage, clarity, and contribution — and I invite every visitor to enter with openness and curiosity.