Merdiven Art Space, one of the most outstanding non-profit spaces for contemporary art in Istanbul, is delighted to present Ferhat Özgür’s solo video screening show entitled “About Turkish Reality” which will take place between 15-30 April 2021 within the framework of the comprehensive video festival “SENKRON” across Turkey.
The video screening will bring together selected works by Özgür whose artistic practice is invariably based on politically critical issues, such as identity, migration, nationalism, anti-militarism, cultural differences and otherness dilemmas, which the artist has been dealing with for almost two decades, particularly in Turkey. The artist, whose works focus on both fictional realities and recorded observations, offers us to reconsider the power of personal involvement in creating video grammar.
According to Özgür, the camera is a device that opens a window to the opportunity for storytelling, documentation, commentary, whatever the possessor wishes. It supports us to create our own visual experiences. It is an alternative expression which enables us to analyse the relationship between simple life and documentary representation.
Through his camera Özgür tries to grip and evaluate the reality, through accumulated images or visual encyclopedias. Believing in the ambivalence of the images, Özgür always showcases the limitations of reflecting the reality of video art as a perception where personal interpretation is embedded.
Throughout the loop, selected videos will be screened retrospectively: “The Wall” (22 min., 2020), “He is in The Army Now” (15 min., 2016), “Women in Love” (11.50 min., 2013), “Metamorphosis Chat” (9.50 min., 2009).
About the artist: Ferhat Özgür lives and works in Istanbul. Taking part in 10th Istanbul Biennale, 6th Berlin Biennale and 9th Busan Biennale, Özgür works have been shown in numerous international institutions including MoMA PS1, Michigan University Museum of Art, Pompidou Center-Paris, Marabouparken-Stockholm, IMMA-Dublin, MUMOK-Vienna, Moderna Musset-Malmö, Salzburg Modern and Seul Museum of Modern Art etc.
