Dimitris Skyllas: A New Composition for Istanbul

Dimitris Skyllas: The Big Other

September 12, 2025, Friday, 20.00

Venue: Istanbul Modern Second Floor Foyer

Duration: 60 mins

Istanbul Modern continues to contribute to international art production by hosting artists from different disciplines in Istanbul through its International Artist Residency Program. Within this framework, supported by the British Council’s Grant Programme for Creative Collaborations, the world premiere of Dimitris Skyllas’s new composition will be presented to audiences at Istanbul Modern.

Borrowing the title of his new work from the psychoanalyst and psychiatrist Jacques Lacan (1901–1981), Skyllas presents “The Big Other,” which points to Istanbul, the new building of Istanbul Modern, and the museum’s collections as the sources of inspiration. Focusing on time and transformation, the work reflects Skyllas’s passion spanning from Byzantine hymns to Ottoman classical music, while also incorporating references to the timbres and techniques of instruments ranging from the bouzouki to the qanun.

“The Big Other” establishes a multifaceted dialogue with works of visual art, which Skyllas interprets as windows opening onto personal and collective history, fundamental themes such as death, political perspectives, and dreams. For the artist, unlike Lacan’s notion of the concept, “The Big Other” signifies liberation from traumas, memories, and other personal burdens.

About Dimitris Skyllas

Born in 1987, Dimitris Skyllas is an innovative composer who began his musical education in Greece and continued in the United Kingdom. Based in London, he has been developing a multidimensional style that weaves together themes such as ritual, lament, religious tradition, and ancient tragedy with contemporary cultural elements.

Skyllas’s works have been performed at renowned institutions including the Barbican Centre, Westminster Abbey, Royal Albert Hall, London Design Festival, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. His life and practice were featured in the 2022 documentary Dimitris Skyllas: Afterpop, funded by the Onassis Foundation. He continues to present new work internationally through collaborations with cultural institutions and festivals.   

The event is free of charge.

Seating at the concert venue is limited.

Before the performance, a brief talk with the artist will be held in English.