Şebnem Somel
I am an artist involved in ecological art practices trying to create art related solutions to social or environmental issues. Born in 1968 and living in Istanbul. I got my BFA and PhD degrees from Mimar Sinan University, Istanbul and MFA degree from Pratt Institute, New York.
My art is about trying to integrate the creation process of art into real life issues. I started off my art career using abstract expressionist terms in my paintings. Realizing that I care more for the process than the end result I tried new ways that could show or augment the importance of the creation process of art through out life. This journey led me to creative activist work that I find both essential and valid for one’s sincere and responsive existence in relation to today’s realities.
Art for animals' sake! - We will build a shelter for a small colony of cats together. Come and join me on this journey.
Why did I start Minikgüneşparçam Project?
With the beginning of 2023
the authorities will have legal rights to put the street cats in shelters.
I live in Istanbul, Turkey. There is not enough shelter for all the cats and the ones that exist lack very badly in their standards.
After years of feeding street animals and trying to take part in animal’s rights activist attempts, I chose to create a minor difference in their lives that can hopefully last long after my time on earth.
What is the goal of this project?
Minikgüneşparçam is not only an animal care program but also an art attempt. Creative activist and volunteer works are the new forms of art that can create art related solutions to social or environmental issues I want to put a small colony of cats in a safe home. I want to make sure that they live there all through their lifetime. For this reason I want to establish a foundation that creates and supports attempts, projects and documents that help to maintain the enhancement and sustainability of the bond between tamed/street animals and people.
As an artist I propose this foundation and the road that leads to this foundation as an artwork itself; art that deserves being created; art that creates a difference in life; art that possess the will to share and to live life to its fullest; literally.
Blog posts
-
Mihrimah, Itırsu and Badem need your help
Mihrimah has an infected tumor on her neck; she needs an operation immediately. Because of her pain she cries all night long. She is an old dog, at least 12 years old or maybe 14. She lost one of her legs years ago when they accused her for stealing a chicken. They’ve cut her leg… Read more
-
Be happy today!
Ponçikhane cats are happy Music: Happy Today Jacqueline Van Bierk, Tracey Marino & Vance Marino https://www.instagram.com/reels/audio… Read more
-
Ponçikhanemizin Müjo’su
Her name is Müjo She is a rescued cat living in a private shelter: Ponçikhane MiinkGüneşParçam is an art project aiming to save lives of a small colony of cats living in Istanbul. Subscribe to help them survive #pets #cat #minikgunesparcam #rescue_pet #cats_of_istanbul Ponçikhanemizin Müjosu. Minikgüneşparçam projesinin Ponçikhane’si İstanbul’un çıkmaz bir sokağında yaşayan küçük bir… Read more
-
4 beautiful cats of Ponçikhane
Juno, Lilith and Şüko came here on their own. Kleo was left on the street. Lovely cats of Ponçikhane Read more
-
they heal each other
Male neutered cat Juno and baby Kleo heal each other Read more
-
Leo is recovering
İlacını bulamayacağımızı anlayan Leo en pahalı mamayı yiyerek iyileşmeye karar verdi; üstelik 2 kutu Leo was ill but the medicine he needs can not be found in Turkey. Still, me and my friends were trying to find it. He lost hope in us, I guess; he decided to recover on his own. Today he ate… Read more