Following his exhibitions “Tree Beliefs” (1986), “Anatolian Goddesses” (1994), and “Creation Myths” (1997), all inspired by Central Asian and Anatolian mythologies, Can Göknil presents another mythological theme: “Amulets.”

The subject of amulets is both religious and contemporary. However, since Can Göknil traces the history of amulets back four thousand years to the Mesopotamian legend of “Anzu the Birdman and the Tablets of Destiny,” the subject is also mythological. In expressing his subject artistically, Göknil draws inspiration from historical amulet practices. Anzu the Birdman is transformed into a four-meter-long wooden sculpture reminiscent of Seljuk eagles, and the magical protective boxes found on the walls of houses in the ancient city of Ur in Mesopotamia inspire the “Magical Boxes” in the “Amulets” exhibition. Can Göknil has returned from his journey through history in pursuit of amulets, richly inspired and producing unique, striking, and original works.

The "Amulets" exhibition, with its surprising richness, reveals that in a world where the whole world is focused on the 2000s, thousands of years of human culture can be a source of inspiration today and tomorrow.

Can Göknil's exhibition, "Amulets," inspired by mythology, can be seen at the Milli Reasürans Art Gallery between April 6 and May 6, 1999.