In June 2018 we opened RAAAF’s fire installation Hidden Worlds at UNESCO World Heritage site Cappadocia, Turkey. The entire valley was set on fire as part of Cappadox Contemporary Art.

Hidden Worlds reflects literally and figuratively the life worlds behind the landscape of Cappadocia. After sunset it shifts the focus from the volcanic landscape to the many oppressed ancient cultures that hided in the valleys. Behind the millions of man-made holes in the rocks several underground cities are obscured from view.

On a timeline of thousands of years, the caves in the valley of Ortahisar just got abandoned very recently: only 40 years ago. Currently most people don’t notice that for centuries this valley was the center of life in Ortahisar. Reflected on the inner cave structures the silent movement of the flames at night makes one feel the human presence in these ancient hidden worlds. From a distance it deepens the experience of a forgotten city that is brought back to life.