Cemile Kavak started her education at Afyon Kocatepe University, Department of Banking and Insurance, and completed her studies at Anadolu University, Department of Business Administration and Ankara University, Department of Journalism. He started his career as an intern at Ziraat Bank Istanbul Cağaloğlu branch. She worked in the operations team at NN Hayat Emeklilik between 2013 and 2015, and then gained experience as an Operations Specialist in PwC Turkey Audit and Tax Advisory Services sector between 2015 and 2018.
With the Modern Art and Art History training she received at various institutions, she has strengthened her knowledge and experience in the field of art. She organizes online workshops and museum visits in the field of plastic arts. Currently, she is actively working with Galata Art Center and 8arti1galery.
Understanding the social dynamics of societies and individuals is a cornerstone of art and curating. In this context, the theory of the “Spiral of Silence” developed by German communication scientist Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann provides a powerful framework for the study of social behavior and thought patterns.
This theory describes a spiral process in which individuals hesitate to voice minority views in public opinion, leading to the further strengthening of dominant views in society
The Spiral of Silence theory suggests that individuals tend to conform to social norms and dominant views due to fear of social isolation. This fear drives individuals to remain silent, and over time, dominant views become more visible, while minority views are expressed less and less. This process leads to increased social homogeneity and conformism.
In a changing world, we all seem to be in a spiral of silence in the face of wars, migrations, natural disasters, injustices and injustices. Most of the time, due to the violence of oppression, it has become easier to turn a blind eye.
Silence has permeated every aspect of our lives. Today, as in the past, we are silent on many issues such as wars, political violence, violence against women, gender inequality, economic insecurity, climate destruction and animal massacres. Although the reason for this silence is often due to the threat of exclusion, as in Neumann's theory, it actually develops as a result of the pressure of power, the pressure of power apparatuses and the perception management created by the media. In this cycle, many of us have turned a blind eye to violence. What we cannot talk about for fear of something happening to us has turned into a growing spiral. In this exhibition, you will witness a story about the issues we have been silent about and contemporary artworks that show the reasons for our silence.
Art and media play a critical role in shaping public opinion. While the media determines what issues are raised and how they are discussed, art deepens these debates through its aesthetic and emotional dimensions. Artworks and exhibitions can increase the visibility of alternative views and stories that have the potential to break the spiral of silence.
The Spiral of Silence exhibition is designed to understand the dynamics of society and provide a platform for individuals to make their voices heard. It encourages visitors to question their own spiral of silence and take steps to break it. Through the power of art, it is possible to move beyond silence and move towards a more open and inclusive society.