Artist Meral Yıldız's latest exhibition "Sacred Text" is open to visit at Gama Art Gallery as a part of the 14th Istanbul Biennial's parallel events. Composed of paintings and collages, the exhibition makes reference to Sufism. Curated by Czech art historian Martin Maryska, "Sacred Text" was introduced to art buffs and press members at the opening ceremony held at Chapel of St. Helena. Speaking at the ceremony, artist Yıldız said that Mevleviyeh is a way to connect Mevlana and offered insight about her work as well as the creative process. "I get all the inspiration and strength from Mevleviyeh. I also perform 'sema.' Sema is a state of ecstasy, which is one of the highest and holiest ways to worship Allah. Hence, the great love that I feel reflects itself through my art," said Yıldız. The artist underscored that the mystical atmosphere of the chapel suits the theme of her works. "Biennial is a place where people get together culturally, physically and scientifically," Yıldız said. "Mevalan said there are thousands of stairs to the heavens, but they all lead to the same god. My art is a way for viewers to empathize with one another. So, when they look at my works with their hearts, they will see so many things about themselves." Born in 1958, Meral Yıldız is an academician at Yeditepe University's Department of Art History. Yıldız, who was a student of Contemporary Istanbul's art advisor Marcus Graf, took lessons from important figures of the art circles, such as Zait Büyükişliyen, Mustafa Ata and Ergin İnan. The artist completed her art education at the Massachusetts College of Art.When: Until Sept. 17Where: Gama Art Gallery