The Gallery at The Marmara-Manhattan is pleased to present “Sultans of Swing,” an exhibition by Turkish-born artist Mevlut Akyildiz. In keeping with The Gallery at The Marmara-Manhattan’s commitment to introducing international artists to the New York art scene, this is the first time Akyildiz’s work has been seen in the United States. Consisting of paintings, figurines, and brilliant ‘glass paintings’– images painted on the back of glass panels – “Sultans of Swing” is a provocative mix of media and themes. Blending the whimsy of Turkish folk art with contemporary sculpture, the artist gives a nod to his artistic heritage while confronting issues of class and hierarchy in a modern context. The show will be on display from September 13, 2001 – October 28, 2001. “Mevlut depicts social structures in a comic way, while still managing to make a powerful statement,” said Zishan Ugurlu, curator at The Gallery at The Marmara-Manhattan. “It’s easy to find the humor as well as the relevance in his work.” Since graduating from The Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts in Turkey, Akyildiz’s work has been featured extensively in galleries in Turkey, France, Greece, and Finland. Depicting ordinary people in mythical settings, Akyildiz celebrates the pleasures of everyday life, sometimes jading his images with a trademark irony. About The Gallery at The Marmara-Manhattan the Gallery at The Marmara-Manhattan is a sun-filled, modern gallery located in the lobby of The Marmara-Manhattan, a luxury extended stay property at 301 E. 94th St. The Gallery has become a forum for up-and-coming artists from the local and international art scenes. The Marmara-Manhattan provides free public access to the gallery, open every day between 11am – 7 pm.