Başak Cankeş – Visual Storyteller and Wearable Art Designer

Başak Cankeş the creative force behind the Bashaques’ label, is a visionary artist, renowned as a visual storyteller and wearable art designer. With a career that seamlessly blends live performances and screen productions, she specializes in creating intricate worlds characterized by high visual impact, intricately woven with elements such as text, movement directions, installations, music, and wearable art. Each of her projects possesses a distinct personality, showcasing her diverse and innovative approach to stortelling.

Born in Izmir, she holds a Master of Fine Arts degree and boasts an educational background, having completed Fine Arts and Design studies. Her commitment to continuous improvement led her to further hone her skills through courses in Fashion Management, Fashion Styling, PR, and Your Fashion Label at Central St Martins in UK.

Embarking on a unique journey, Başak diverged from the conventional catwalk system after presenting her collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Istanbul. Opting for a more avant-garde approach, she pioneered the concept of theatrical fashion performances, presenting five art performances that she actively participated in as an artist. As the salutatorian of her graduating class at Izmir Economy University’s Fashion Design Department, Başak further showcased her artworks at the Contemporary Art Fair Istanbul, distinguishing herself as the sole designer who seamlessly integrates wearable art with traditional art forms.

Her accolades include the Mediterranean Fashion Prize in Marseille and recognition from the Centre of Fashion Enterprise in the United Kingdom for her AW15/16 collection. The visionary artist also delved into the world of surrealism, crafting traditionsl Turkish quilts with silk printed miniatures for the Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair in 2016 and later creating 3D artworks from mixed media. As an accomplished illustration artist, she meticulously designs her patterns, showcasing her artistic versatility.

Başak Cankeş, a trailblazer in the fashion industry, continues her journey with an art gallery-showroom / store in Alaçatı and Istanbul, where she unfolds the narrative of wearable art through her renowned label, Bashaques’. Her pioneering spirit is evidenced by her showcasing of Turkey’s first one-hour ticketed fashion performance, “The Truth,” at the Zorlu Performing Arts Center. At Milan Fashion Week in 2020, Başak maintains a steadfast dedication to her craft through her eponymous store in Alaçatı and the showroom in İstanbul.

In 2023, Başak Cankeş authored “Medusa’s Scream” for the Sistern Basilica in Istanbul, subsequently producing the immersive experience in collaboration with Kültür AŞ.
“Medusa’s Scream” stands as a mythological opus seamlessly integrating wearable art, dance theatre, performance, and music. The production garnered acclaim through 23 presentations to diverse audiences, followed by the curation of an art house movie and a costume exhibition. This project not only showcased artistic excellence but also demonstrated meticulous planning and execution in the intersection of myth, performance, and visual storytelling.**

Her multifaceted career seamlessly integrates artistic innovation, academic excellence, and a profound impact on the global fashion landscape.

Wearable Art Performances:
1. Entrada de Gala en el Haren – 2016 (Immersive Wearable Art Experience)
2. Ballerina’s Hidden Dream – 2016 (Immersive Wearable Art Experience)
3. Funeral of Love – 2017 (Performative Theatrical Fashion Show)
4. The Truth – 2019 (Theatrical Immersive Wearable Art Performance)
5. Medusa’s Scream 2022-2023 (Mythological Immersive Experience)

Documentary Movies:
1. The Truth Makeover – 2019
2. Ayni mı? / Is it the same? – In the Footsteps of Wearable Art – 2021

Art House Movies:
1. Medusa’s Scream – 2023

Fashion Collections:
1. Tiles of Rubaiyat – 2010 (Graduation Collection)
2. An / Once – 2014
3. Gaudi – The Door – 2015
4. Entrada de Gala En el Haren – 2016
5. Ballerina’s Hidden Dream – 2016
6. Funeral of Love – 2017
7. The Truth – 2019
8. Golden Age – 2020
9. Aynı mı? – 2021 / 2022

Awards

Mediterranee Fashion Prize – 2014
CFE – Central Fashion Enterprise – 2015

Exhibitions

Contemporary Istanbul – Entrada de Gala en el Haren, Yorganlar 2016
Contemporary Istanbul – Galeri Baraz – Ballerina’s Hidden Dream – To Grow Up – 2017
Imece İstanbul -Bashaques Workspace – 2019
Sistern Basilica İstanbul / Yerebatan Sarnıcı – Medusa’s Scream Costume Design Exhibiton, 2024

Başak Cankeş has not only pushed the boundaries of conventional storytelling but has also redefined the intersection of fashion, art, and performance. Her unique ability to blend immersive experiences with wearable art has left an indelible mark on the world of visual storytelling, making her a trailblazer in her field.