The transfer of the Phrygian heritage to contemporary ceramic art: A thematic approach

This study aims to reinterpret the rich cultural and mythological heritage of Phrygia, one of the ancient civilizations of Anatolia, through contemporary ceramic art practices and to establish an artistic dialogue in this way. The research has addressed the Phrygian heritage not as a static archaeological artifact set, but as a dynamic cultural resource with which the contemporary artist can interact. In this context, thirteen main themes ("Birth", "Life", "Struggle", "Looking Eyes", "Gordios", "Sun", "Lion", "Hat", "Bird", "Insect", "Creature", "Midas" and "King") reflecting the existential themes of Phrygian society have been determined. The original ceramic works and supporting drawings produced on the axis of these themes constitute the primary data source of the research. In this process, which is carried out with the arts-based research methodology, the form, material and technique of each work have been consciously designed to deepen the symbolic and philosophical layers of the chosen theme. For example, the tragic nature of power through the figure of Midas, the mythological power through the sphinx (creature) or the themes of secret and protection through the fibula (looking eyes) have been expressed through the dialogue between material and form. This thesis reveals that the process of "translating" the aesthetic codes of Phrygian art into a contemporary language is not only a transfer of form but also an act of producing meaning. The study shows that the artistic interpretation of historical heritage can open up new and critical questions about universal human conditions of the past, as well as preserving cultural memory. In this respect, the thesis aims to reveal the artistic and intellectual potential of the creative relationship established with the past, specifically in ceramic art.