Ahmet Güneştekin’s solo exhibition “Never There” is currently on view at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. With a powerful narrative centered on memory and historical reflection, the exhibition resonates not only with art lovers but also with the international art community. Supported by Yıldız Holding as main sponsor, it marks a major milestone in the global visibility of contemporary Turkish art.

Curated by Sergio Risaliti and Paola Marino, “Never There” opened on July 1, 2025, at one of Italy’s most respected cultural institutions, the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. Featuring a compelling selection of sculptures, video works, and large-scale installations, the exhibition will remain on view until September 28, 2025.

A highlight of the exhibition is “Sarcophaguses of Alphabet” a major work by Güneştekin that has been permanently donated to the museum’s collection by Yıldız Holding. The piece is displayed in the museum’s grand neoclassical hall alongside Antonio Canova’s iconic Hercules and Lichas, establishing a dramatic visual and conceptual dialogue. Also presented in the same hall is Güneştekin’s titular installation “Never There”, which deepens the exhibition’s exploration of collective memory and historical silence.

Another striking work in the show is “Reminiscence Bump”, a monumental installation constructed from thousands of worn rubber shoes. Displayed in a gallery that houses classical war paintings, the work reinterprets historical trauma through contemporary materials and evokes themes of displacement and resilience.

The exhibition also includes “Seven-Eyed Sun”, another of Güneştekin’s signature works. This piece has also been acquired by the museum’s permanent collection, further cementing the artist’s global reputation.

Murat Ülker: “Art reminds us not only of beauty, but also of memory, values, and conscience.”

Murat Ülker, Board Member of Yıldız Holding and Chairman of pladis and GODIVA, emphasized the deeper social and cultural resonance of Güneştekin’s art:

“Art is a timeless, universal language. It allows us to revisit the past through the lens of today’s questions. Ahmet Güneştekin’s works speak directly to collective memory and prompt us to confront difficult truths.

At Yıldız Holding, we’ve long believed in the importance of nurturing the bond between art and society, because art doesn’t merely produce beauty; it also preserves memory, upholds values, and awakens conscience.

We are proud to have permanently donated ‘Sarcophaguses of Alphabet’ to the museum’s collection. To us, this gesture is a tribute to the past and a legacy for future generations.

We also believe that Turkish contemporary art deserves greater visibility on the global stage. Through this exhibition, Ahmet Güneştekin’s artistic voice reaches new audiences. We are honored to help amplify that voice.”

Mehmet Tütüncü: “We are proud to support the global success of Turkish artists.”

Mehmet Tütüncü, Chairman and CEO of Yıldız Holding, also shared his reflections on the exhibition:

“As we’ve seen in Ahmet Güneştekin’s previous collaborations with our brands, his work powerfully captures human memory and shared experience. ‘Never There’ is no exception—its emotional depth and striking visual language leave a lasting impression.

At Yıldız Holding, our Make Happy, Be Happy philosophy extends to the role of art in shaping collective well-being. Just as we’ve exhibited Güneştekin’s works at our Istanbul headquarters, this exhibition reinforces our view of art as more than aesthetic. It is a vital expression of social progress and cultural memory.

We carry this commitment beyond Türkiye. At our offices in London and New York, we proudly display not only works by Güneştekin but also those of emerging Turkish artists, offering them space to be seen and heard on an international platform.

We believe Never There will leave a lasting mark on the international art scene. We will continue working to connect contemporary and traditional Turkish art with wider audiences.”

As Yıldız Holding, we are honored to have permanently donated Ahmet Güneştekin’s Sarcophaguses of Alphabet to the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome. The piece is now exhibited in the museum’s grand neoclassical hall alongside Canova’s masterpiece. We see this as a meaningful and enduring contribution to the cultural recognition of Turkish modern art across Europe. It is a moment of deep honor and cultural responsibility for us, and we remain committed to supporting cultural dialogue and artistic exchange. #MakeHappyBeHappy