Artist Spotlight: Morning Viewing and Conversation on the Work of Esma Yiğitoğlu

In collaboration with Museum Arnhem, Sonsbeek 2026 presents a morning viewing of the sculptures of Esma Yiğitoğlu, followed by an in-depth conversation about the work of the late artist.

Esma Yiğitoğlu was a Turkish-Dutch artist (b. 1944, Zincidere, Türkiye; d. 2009, Rotterdam), known for a practice that brought together Sufi philosophy, Islamic architecture, vernacular building traditions, and Western art history.

Wouter Welling, Yiğitoğlu’s widower and steward of her artistic estate, will be joined by artist Müge Yilmaz and researcher-curator Nesli Gül for a conversation about her practice. Together, they will explore the many layers of her work, including her role in establishing the first Turkish Cultural Center for Women in the Netherlands and the ways in which her work continues to inspire new generations of artists from Türkiye living in the Netherlands.

From 9:00 a.m., Yiğitoğlu’s work will be on view in the Dome Hall. Visitors attending this event will also receive free admission to the Bakudengar exhibition, which includes work by Sonsbeek 2026 artist Ipeh Nur.

The conversation will be conducted in Dutch and English.

 Breakfast will be available at the museum café.

Free entry – registration required