We asked short questions to Kaan Sarı, the founder of "Odd Art Space" independent art space and gallery, and Kardelen Semerci, the owner of the solo exhibition opened at Odd Art Space, about the gallery's founding story and first solo exhibition experience.
The exhibition 'That's not where I am', which took place in December 2023, poses the question to the viewer: 'What is happening in that intermediate zone, within the tension and distance between art and life?'
The manifesto of 'That's not where I am' belongs to Pınar Ensari. The questions that will help us get to know Kaan Sarı and Kardelen Semerci's place in the art world more closely are; They talked about the gallery and the artist specifically, not only about the work of art, but also about their way of expressing themselves and their understanding. They shared with YUGA the vision of Odd Art Space, the process of establishing the gallery, the roles of art in their own lives, and also how they collaborate.
'What happens when we pick up the pieces of the past from their painful corners and put them somewhere else? Or what if we hold their hands and take them for a walk on the street, introducing them to other pasts and futures? Well, imagine if we added our own pains and knitted up and down! Oh, and there are those houses where we collect the pieces of the past. Saki, what's going on behind those closed doors? He is working diligently to turn them all upside down. He carefully touches the things that fall into his lap at different times and places, and first speaks to them; Then he goes on new paths, journeys and meanings with them. Then things emerge that mischievously exceed their own limits. It not only interferes with the uncanny privacy of the house, but also the indifference of the street and the violence of the masculine gaze. Really, this isn't spoiling the game, what is it? Maybe it's time to play new games... I wonder where one of us's pain ends and the other's begins?
Who determines the borders, their color, shape and smell, who defends them to death, who steps on them? So, what happens in that tension, in the distance, in that intermediate zone between art and life? This exhibition invites you not only to a journey in that intermediate region, but also to a conversation with the works. We promise, spoiling is free...'
YUGA: What triggered your first solo exhibition 'This is not where I am' as 'First'?
Kardelen: I felt like I was the only one cooking inside me. After a long period of experience, I shouldn't have gone through this on my own, and they had to go far away from me in order to heal my inner problems.
YUGA: When did the idea of founding Odd Art Space arise?
Kaan: Before founding Oddartspace, we founded the Soup Bowl Art Group in İzmir Yeni Foça with my dear friend Devrim Ada in 2000. This was followed by Fabrikartgrup in 2006, the year I first moved to Cappadocia. In essence, Oddartspace is the reincarnation of a 19-year journey. Although it may vary in name, we can say that the aim is to change the form of my identity as an art worker, which adapts to the conditions of that day, depending on place, time and conditions. If we consider Oddartspace alone, Tekirdağ is one of the cities where many cities experience art poverty or where many stereotypical disciplines cannot go beyond craft production. I observed that many artists who graduated from different departments of fine arts live in Tekirdağ. When Istanbul was only 1.5 hours away, I realized that I wanted it to be a gathering place for artists producing in this region. Of course, oddartspace should not only be a place to gather, it should also be a building where contemporary art is exhibited and art audiences are met. In 4 years (although a long part of this was spent with the pandemic), I observed that I was able to establish a space that would meet the workshop and gallery needs of many artists and that it had benefits. Even if the name changes, I already do this in every city I visit.
YUGA: The manifesto of 'This is not where I am' is very open and on a critical side. While it embraces everyone, it also acts as a mirror to oneself. Could you briefly talk about the 'moments' that prepared the bed for this narrative?
Kardelen: Struggle was like the middle name of me and my family. Especially as a woman in Turkey, we cannot get too far away from this. We can call it the story of the events that happened to me and my escape from them.
YUGA: As an artist, when did you become interested in owning an art gallery?
Kaan: It is an idea that I have thought about for many years and realized several times. During the years I lived in Cappadocia, I founded the Mustafapaşa Contemporary Arts Gallery in the town of Mustafapaşa in Ürgüp district. At the same time, I donated the works from our collection from the years I organized the Fabrikartgrup Contemporary Arts Festival to the Hacı Bektaşi Veli University Art Museum. After being exposed to the unserious behavior of a few galleries in Istanbul that claimed to be interested in my works, why don't I open a gallery where artists who think like me can exhibit their works? Of course, we can talk about not only a gallery but also a place where production takes place.
YUGA: We are curious about the starting points in your art? What happens on the intellectual side when constructing the composition in your works?
Kardelen: There are long periods of thinking for me before I start painting. Experiments, the texture of the paint, the trace it leaves on the surface, etc. Then, I look for data that will represent the image that comes to my mind. And the meeting of these is actually my production process. Sometimes, when I don't know where to stop, I take a break from that painting and leave it aside. I want to call this infusion because my goal is not to actually give up on it. Sometimes you shouldn't work too hard. :) The process is painful and exciting for me. I can say that I like Action instead of stasis.
YUGA: Kardelen Semerci is an artist who produces and continues to produce in Istanbul and opened her exhibition at Odd. Although Odd is an independent art gallery, is it a gallery that opens doors and supports every artist? Or do you or the Odd team have a standard? Because it is a very enjoyable multidisciplinary area where artists will want to open exhibitions.
Kaan: Our door is open to producers who do not produce without interruption, for hobby purposes, who do not have the opportunity to exhibit their qualified works, and who contribute to the profile of the audience of the city they live in. We soon had an open call for artists and curators. We have an inbox full of wonderful works and artists. We will watch the exhibitions of our artists and curators at Odd Art Space as soon as possible. Our calendar is full until September 2024. Of course, we are selective because Odd Art Space acts with a devoted team spirit. Odd Art Space is coordinated by Furkan Öztekin, Kardelen Semerci, Kaan Sarı. We all produce with different disciplines, materials and subjects. This contributes to the works to be exhibited or the way they are exhibited.
YUGA: You crossed paths with Odd Art Space and created a wonderful exhibition. Of course, the starred question is 'While there are many art platforms in Istanbul, why Tekirdağ, why Odd Art Space?'
Kardelen: He keeps himself at ease wherever he feels like his home :) he is free there, he is a child there. He knows that it belongs to him. Odd Art Space and Kaan make me feel close and safe. This is one of the biggest reasons. Also, shouldn't art come out of certain places and swim in the vast seas? :) This is exactly what I think. And I'm glad my first exhibition was there.
YUGA: Do you have your own rule or motto during the exhibition process, specifically saying 'we pay close attention to this'?
Kaan: The exhibition artists play an active role in the entire process. Since it is an independent place, we make sure that solidarity and support are at the forefront.
YUGA: Tekirdağ is a quieter city compared to Istanbul. Is Odd different from other art platforms in Tekirdağ? If 'there is', what is it?
Kaan: There are two different galleries in Tekirdağ. One is the art and design gallery of Süleymanpaşa Municipality, and the other is the exhibition hall of Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Cultural Center and Library. Unfortunately, the art and design gallery has been turned into an exhibition area for hobby trainees for 4 years. Yahya Kemal Beyatlı cultural center is a place that rarely holds good exhibitions. But in two places it is used only for exhibitions. Oddartspace is Tekirdağ's only independent art space for now. I hope our numbers increase and we can reach quality exhibitions.
YUGA: Where does Kardelen Semerci belong? :)
Kardelen: Kardelen is where Semerci is, I'll try to express it exactly, but it's a bit difficult to be honest. Because my life is layered on different levels, forward and backward, up and down. Therefore, there is a constant progress, but I cannot specify its amount. This can be either forward or downward. It could be on the edge of a cliff or on a beach. But I can say that I love my place and I am proud to be here.
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