Fısıltı 2010

Editor: Looking at "Fısıltı" (Whisper), a 2010 assemblage by Füsun Onur, it seems incredibly minimal and deliberate. There’s a small, almost child-sized table followed by a receding line of 'X' shapes that gradually diminish in size. What can you tell me about how this relates to the history of Turkish art? Curator: This piece beautifully encapsulates Onur’s practice of transforming mundane objects into something quietly subversive. Considering the socio-political context of Turkey at the time, especially the subtle authoritarianism creeping into public spaces, what do you think these forms might represent in that kind of environment? Do you see parallels between the dwindling forms and societal power structures? Editor: Hmm, the receding forms definitely feel like a power dynamic – something being diminished or silenced. The X shapes almost feel like barriers, or crosses, set along the way to that little table. It seems almost dystopian? Curator: Exactly! Onur’s work frequently critiques systems, even when her materials seem playful. It's essential to consider how her sculptures interact with gallery spaces, often disrupting expected flows and prompting viewers to confront the hidden politics within seemingly neutral settings. Do you think that the bareness of the space adds to this feeling of being somewhat 'cut off'? Editor: I think it emphasizes the solitude and the sense of dwindling importance, everything is in very clear linear terms with only the barest shapes. It all does kind of make the work more profound considering that socio-political reading, for sure. Curator: Precisely. Conceptual art like this pushes us to recognize how much our own social contexts influence what we perceive. It challenges the institution of art, compelling museums and viewers alike to participate in a constant conversation with society. Editor: It really makes me reconsider the purpose behind minimalistic forms, not just visually but also within its history! Thanks for your expertise, this changed my perception completely!