Ömer Emre Yavuz, “Interactions” at Art On Art Gallery, Istanbul

“Interactions” by Ömer Emre Yavuz, curated by Seda Yavuz, at Art On Art Gallery, Istanbul, 11/11/2023 – 02/12/2023.

On Conditions of Form: Competency allows for randomness, form takes its final shape as if it reveals the dialogue between the artist and material. The works in the exhibition “Interactions / Etkileşimler” by Ömer Emre Yavuz are consequences of theoretical approach to sculpture. Yet the key to build a relationship with these works is to know about the material; porcelain, clay, metal and besides ready-made objects also take part in the installation. The exhibition space has to be considered as the artist’s field of intervention to the extent permitted by the material because the space sometimes acts as a pedestal and sometimes as an instrument. The artist always keeps feeling that it is a part of nature so that he forms his own sculpture practice with a way of expression accordant with the nature of material. Cause and effect are synchronized due to the fact that the organic main material (clay) is constantly in action. Ancient doctrines are based on constant mobility rather than having a beginning and an ending. With this knowledge Yavuz simulates the active material through the principle of constancy of movement; the action here is not imitated but it is simulated. In some of the works in the exhibition the usage of colors, sound, and objects turns the space from the fictional into the practical. The unintentionally unique forms subjectivate the acts of being compacted and pressed. At some point the artist witnesses the material’s process of taking its own form, in this sense, the entity of material becomes independent from the formal display through the entire process of activity. At first glance these new forms might be perceived as deformation, but eventually, each of them transforms into symbols of a “condition”. Being regarded as secondary materials, the relation of ready-made objects with sculptures which leave formal display, significantly compels viewers to contemplate more carefully in a suspended field through circulation between the specific material and sculpture. What we witness in the exhibition is not the relaxing nature of the formal display but actually the dynamism between the artist and the material. As the artist and the material get acquainted with each other more and more everyday through experiments and experiences, they invite viewers to a more dynamic space as well. The exhibition itself is formed with site-specific works. Gently made touches which don’t give a feeling of dominance to the space and viewers are focused on action rather than aesthetics. In “Interactions” Ömer Emre Yavuz deals with components incident to sculpture, on the other hand, he lightens theoretical burdens, being conscious of the fact that they are a part of nature.