İzzet Çapa: 'I have lost a close friend, I am very sad'

One of the important names in contemporary art, Haluk Akakçe, has passed away at the age of 53.

'I HAVE LOST MY FRIEND, I AM SAD'

The passing of Haluk Akakçe has left his family and close friends in mourning. Restaurateur İzzet Çapa shared emotional words following the loss of Akakçe, with whom he spent many years:

"Haluk Akakçe, one of the important representatives of contemporary art in the world... He was my friend... I am very, very sad... He was an artist who produced works in every field of art, worked tirelessly, and brought forth the most original things that few would think of...

I will always remember you this way, cheerful, always in this wild state of yours, my friend... May your grave be filled with light, may your place be heaven... My condolences to us all..."

WHO IS HALUK AKAKÇE?

One of the leading names in contemporary Turkish art, Haluk Akakçe was born on July 24, 1970, in Ankara. After studying Interior Architecture at Bilkent University in Ankara, he completed his master's degrees at the Royal College of Art in London and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

After opening his first solo exhibition in Chicago in 1997, he continued his art career between London and New York for a time. In addition to his exhibitions in many major museums and galleries in the US and the UK, he also took part in prestigious biennials and festivals.

Haluk Akakçe's work spanned a wide range, from video installations to murals, and acrylic series on panels and paper. Throughout his art career, Haluk Akakçe, who produced significant works in various fields of contemporary art, became an internationally recognized artist.

Haluk Akakçe, who continued his artistic work in New York for many years, also organized exhibitions in Turkey with his video works, installations, and paintings that he carried out all over the world.