Skin and Surface

The last exhibition at Sabanci University's Kasa Galeri this season, Deri ve Yüzey, included works by Elif Çelebi, Inci Eviner, Sinasi Günes, Eser Selen, and Bülent Sangar. The exhibition, visited between May 8 to July 6, was curated by Lewis Johnson.

The work by Elif Çelebi, Inci Eviner, Sinasi Günes, Eser Selen, and Bülent Sangar in Deri ve Yüzey used surfaces - painted, photographic, surfaces of screens, walls, floors. Working within international frames of art, such as painting, video, installation, and performance, the work by these five artists invited us to think the relation between traditions of art, life, and culture in Turkey as well as such international frames, suggesting the following questions: can the specific experiences of people in particular cultural contexts be communicated or represented? What is happening in Turkish art, between its international and national or local traditions? How do artists respect or participate in both?

The Artists:

Elif Çelebi, who had her first solo exhibition in 1997, participated in many group exhibitions and performances in Turkey and abroad. Çelebi also won the 16th Istanbul Exhibition of the Contemporary Artists Jury Special Award.

Inci Eviner, who has exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in Turkey and abroad since 1986, participated in the Venice Biennial in 1997. Eviner is also a faculty member in the Art and Design Faculty at Yildiz Technical University.

Sinasi Günes, who has had many solo and group exhibitions in Turkey since 1987, has two important awards in sculpture: the Honorable Mention Prize of the 30th Year Competition of Buca Education Faculty, Achievement Award of the 20th Competition of Contemporary Artists.

Eser Selen, who opened her first solo exhibition in 1999 in the series Gelecege Esintiler in Kasa Galeri, has given several performances and participated in many group exhibitions in Turkey and abroad.

Bülent Sangar, who opened his first solo exhibition in Urart Art Gallery in 1995, has participated in many group exhibitions in Turkey and abroad. Sangar's photo works have been published in Zoo and Artforum.

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