"Dreaming of a New World"
Yeni Bir Dünyayı Hayal Edenler | 18 July - 2 September 2023 | Kalyon Kültür
Yeni Bir Dünyayı Hayal Edenler curated in collaboration with the ‘iyilik için sanat’ unites the visionary creations of 23 independent artists who have indelibly shaped the world from the 19th century onwards, their artworks illuminate profound themes of nature, solitude, and urbanization.
Guided by the discerning eye of Kalyon Culture and Art Director Aslı Bora, "Dreaming of a New World" centers upon the intersecting realms of experiences that resonate deeply within personal memories. This captivating exhibition weaves together the threads of global phenomena like epidemics, migrations, climate change, and earthquakes, which reverberate across the lives of countless individuals. Unfolding in three distinct thematic cycles—consumption, primal existence, and transformative journeys—it serves as a poignant reflection of our collective anxieties, imprinted upon the past century.
Traditional artistic mediums such as painting, sculpture, and ceramics seamlessly intertwine with innovative expressions of video art, digital mastery, collages, and upcycled creations, as the artists delve into the boundless possibilities of the language of artistry, unveiling a multidimensional realm of inquiry and contemplation.
[ From the top and left corner: Gonca Göde, Pınar Bora-Challenger, Uygar Eren Kurt- Tampacho, Rabia Yıldırım-Leke, Cengiz Üstün-Zombi]
Dilan the explorer’s digital collage piece
This artwork by Dilan Kapar ‘SARTRE’S VOMIT’ delves into the depths of the human mind and emotions, exploring the philosophical concepts of existentialism while combining surreal and symbolic elements.
The main theme is the constant battle between reason and emotions, and how existential dilemmas can become deeply intertwined with one's psyche. The eye visible through a picked lock hole symbolizes the desire for introspection and the quest for self-knowledge.
As the composition unfolds, the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of meaning leave traces behind as we traverse through life – purification, and the potential for renewal and growth amidst life's complexities.
Some disturbing imagery represents the confrontation with the monstrous aspects of human nature, the vulnerabilities of innocence, and the stark contrast between life and death. In that very chaotic moment, a smaller female figure emerges, vomiting strings of flowers. This poignant portrayal illustrates the transformative power of beauty and creativity in confronting life's challenges. It symbolizes the potential for growth, hope, and regeneration even amidst the most distressing circumstances.
Overall, the artwork invites the viewer to explore the profound questions surrounding human existence, encouraging introspection, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for life. It celebrates the human capacity for resilience, creativity, and growth, even amidst the darkest moments of existence.
We have asked Dilan Kapar about her work:
” In my collage animation Sartre's Vomit, I mainly focus on reflecting the contradiction of existence. I used figures with dismembered faces and bodies, floating in the void, to visually express the deep conflict between the search for meaning and the absence of meaning that accompanies human nature. And to emphasize the emptiness of the human inner world, I specially composed them with the light of Sartre's Nausea.As the work is a collage animation, it is basically a series of collages that are assembled and animated in stop motion technique, and each collage reflects a unique mood and experience. Some are unsettling, some are destructive, and some have a mystical atmosphere. Just like our experience of being human. The main purpose of my art is to take the viewer on a journey beyond the ordinary and into their own inner world.
Through abstractions and symbols, I try to express the fine line between the meaning and meaninglessness of existence, while at the same time exploring the depths of a person's mind and therefore being a person experience. This process reflects my commitment to art as a personal journey and my search for meaning.
The impact of my art on the viewer will vary depending on their individual experiences. My aim is to create a space that each viewer interprets according to their own background, beliefs, and thoughts. Rather than pointing to a single idea, my work invites viewers to encounter a kaleidoscope of emotions and reflections—an amalgamation of thoughts and sensations akin to a homogeneous vomit of human experience. “