18 Feb 2014

A Universe Supplementary to This One at x-ist, Istanbul

A Supplementary to This One | Curator: FATOŞ ÜSTEK

The exhibition and the publication for the project entitled A Universe Supplementary to This One is curated by Fatos Ustek for X-ist, Istanbul. The exhibition hosts works by Fatih Alkan, Heman Chong, Ceren Oykut, Wouter Venema, Ekin Saclioglu, Manuela Ribadeneira who bring in influences from Turkey, Singapore, the Netherlands and Ecuador, if not beyond. The works by Saclioglu, Oykut and Alkan are specially commissioned for the project while Venema and Ribadeneira will show a latest work at the exhibition. The show is supplemented by an artist book initiated and written by Fatos Ustek, compiled in responsive dialogue with the artists.
The exhibition tweaks at what is fiction in order to cognize the foundations of the real, evokes a sensorial input, let alone aims at triggering a thought-provoking encounter. In order to define and cultivate an image of the idea of a universe supplementary to this one, Ustek has been working in collaboration with the artists. This exchange of ideas and approaches manifests itself in the artist book envisioned by Ustek which is composed of a sequence of universes dedicated to each artist in the exhibition. In a way in which, each work through its components denote a defining` elements of a respective universe while the exhibition becomes a set that contains a multitude of universes. Furthering this exchange, Ustek has assigned a different chapter/universe compiled for another artist, to each artist asking them a visual response to be included in the publication.

The idea of a universe supplementary to this one sources from French thinker René Daumal's writings. Daumal's well invested work in pataphysics explores the possible conditions in which exception is the rule. Through focussing on singular events, Daumal constructs his own universe: a Universe that is related to, built on, but different from the one that accepts the common as the norm. Under the influence of the current ongoings in Turkey where the fictive and the real blends into one another, this project aims to expand on the boundaries of perception inviting its audience to a journey where they can individually decide for themselves. The project is dedicated to the ones who still can dream and who cultivate curiosity as pleasure.

Curator FATOŞ ÜSTEK

Fatos Ustek is an independent curator and writer based in London. Currently she acts as associate curator of 10th Gwangju Biennale, 2014 under the artistic direction of Jessica Morgan. Ustek also works as a guest tutor at Vision Forum, Linkopings Universitet, Sweden. Ustek writes regularly for international magazines such as Art Review, Camera Austria International and Art Papers. She is editor of Unexpected Encounters Situations of Contemporary Art and Architecture, 2012 published by Zorlu Centre in 2012 and author of Book of Confusions published by Rossi Rossi, London.


The exhibition is open during regular opening hours of the gallery. www.artxist.com
Please contact Ece Goymen for further information.
ece@artxist.com
T:+90 212 291 77 84
F:+90 212 343 69 35
E:info@artxist.com