Müge Yilmaz (b. 1985, Turkey, Istanbul)

Ancient stories, traditions, archetypal figures, and the symbolism form the basis of Ulrike Rehm's Müge Yilmaz invites us to understand nature as its own thinking, acting being and to join her in installations and rituals for protection of nature. Yilmaz’s sculptures and performances draw on myriad ancient references read through feminist lenses, ranging from hieroglyphics from Neolithic Anatolia and hamsas, or Hands of Fatima, amulets; to traditional tattoos, made from ash mixed with a mother’s milk made for a new daughter. Her sculptures appear like painted shadows of gods, animals, and gestures frozen in time against a temple or cave wall. 

Yilmaz participated in several Biennals an museum exhibitions, The Diriyah Biennale 2026, the 4th Karachi Biennal 2024, 59th Venice Bienniale, 2022, 16th Istanbul Biennial, 2019, and the 11th Shanghai Biennale, 2016. Tenminste Houdbaar Tot, Museum Arnhem, 2022 and PERFORMATIK 17, Brussels, 2017. And she has been a resident artist at ACC, Gwangju and is alumna of Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Her work can be found in the collections of Museum Arnhem, UMC Amsterdam, Abn Amro Bank and Rabobank.