Gelgit 

Curator: This mesmerizing abstract piece, "Gelgit" by Mustafa Duzgunman, presents a dynamic composition achieved through mixed media, collage, and textile techniques. Editor: My first thought is just how hypnotic it is! The flowing patterns evoke a sense of natural movement, like currents of water or the rustling of leaves, maybe it's my familiarity with marbling techniques. Curator: I think you're right to point out that flow. The term 'Gelgit' itself translates to "tide" or "ebb and flow", suggesting cyclical movement and transformation which is a central metaphor within contemporary environmental discussions about the Anthropocene. We should consider its historical context. Editor: Ah, I can see that deeper connection now. And thinking of cycles, notice the repeated leaf-like motifs interspersed with the dotted patterns. Leaf shapes have long held symbolic weight related to themes of life, growth, and resilience. Curator: Yes, the "organic pattern" tags assigned to this work emphasize nature. These decorative patterns aren’t simply aesthetic but also represent ongoing, historical dialogues between textile art, its connection to domestic space, and its subsequent undervaluing, in order to emphasize art world power structures. Editor: Interesting how the colours, though muted—primarily blues, browns, and a touch of gold—somehow create a vibrant feeling. Perhaps it's the texture. I see an "abstract expressionism" tag – does that fit? Curator: Abstract Expressionism does, but we need to interrogate its Western-centrism. It fits insofar as there is a sense of gestural abstraction but it also excludes and perpetuates cultural imperialism by omitting that the artist comes from a region where patterns and textures play significantly in modes of understanding our surroundings. Editor: Good point. The repetition, and layering…it definitely feels rich with cultural meaning. The layering of patterns could also be read to reflect cultural hybridity and adaptation too. Curator: Absolutely. Considering those cultural influences adds so much depth to our understanding. Editor: Looking at it again, I keep finding new shapes, hidden details within the repeating patterns. Curator: I appreciate the chance to re-evaluate the work, understanding its potential commentary. Editor: Indeed. There’s always more to unpack when you start to consider both its symbols and place it in its socio-political time and context.