Organised by Istinye University, Selçuk Ecza Deposu, Bozlu Art Project and Istanbul Ex-libris Society, the 6th International Ex-libris Competition attracted great interest from many artists from different countries. 540 artists from 34 countries participated in the competition with 1340 works. The fact that Istinye University students also participated in this competition was a source of joy for us. The intense interest shown shows that the competition fills an important gap in the field of ex-libris.
The jury members deemed it appropriate to give awards to 14 artists, honourable mentions to 14 artists, certificates of honour to 28 artists and to exhibit the works of 214 artists. In the evaluation, attention was paid to originality, technical and aesthetic competence, and the relationship between painting and writing. The countries with the highest number of entries were Turkey, Russia, Poland, the Republic of China, Bulgaria, Italy, Argentina, Italy, Argentina and others.
Istinye University’s First Prize was unanimously awarded to the master Russian artist Mikhail Verkholantsev, whose originality and personal style were found convincing. The Second Prize of Selçuk Ecza Deposu was awarded to Bulgarian artist Onnik Karanfilian for his ex-libris engravings with strong patterns. The Third Prize of Bozlu Art Project was awarded to Bulgarian artist Marin Gruev for his ex-libris full of fine details. Istanbul Ex-libris Association Young Artist Award was given to Emre İnan, a promising young artist specialising in printmaking. Medical Park Special Award was presented to Igor Baranov (France), AveA Health Special Award to Ivo Mosele (Italy), Liv Hospital Special Award to Christine Deboosere (Belgium), Glana Cosmetics Special Award to Valerio Mezzetti (Italy), Tülay-Şükrü Ertürk Special Award to Wang Yu (China), Ayşe-Noyan Ünal Special Award to Martin R. Baeyens (Belgium), Ayfer-Zeki Tutkan Special Award to Gennady Vial (Belarus), Özden Pektaş Turgut Special Award to Elzbieta Radzikowska (Poland), Gülcan-Salih Apaydın Special Award to Yulia Protsyshyn (Ukraine), Hatice-Hasip Pektaş Special Award to Julieta Virginia Warman (Argentina).
The award ceremony and exhibition opening of the competition will be held in Istinye University Vadi H Campus Conference Hall and foyer area within the scope of the 2nd International Ex-libris Congress to be held on 20-24 August 2025. We hope that the exhibition will bring excitement to the ex-libris world, inspire our young people who are especially interested in ex-libris, and contribute to the spread of this art.
The heart of art will continue to beat at Istinye University with the valuable contributions of individuals and organisations devoted to art and the love and interest of artists. Ex-libris too.
