Baris Saribas was born in 1979 in Izmir. The artist graduated from Marmara University Fine Arts Department (İstanbul) in 2002. He had become student of very famous Turkish painters like Ekrem Kahraman, Prof.Dr. Hüsamettin Koçan, Prof.Dr. Mehmet Özer, Prof.Dr. Mustafa Pilevneli. Barıs Saribas has won 11 awards including 66th and 68th National Paint Awards, Young Painter of the Year Award in 2003, 2004 and 2006. He has been also invited many workshops abroad. He has 28 personal exhibitions in Turkey and other countries. He also joined many national and international group exhibitions. The subjects of his latest works were based on war planes, bombs and aircrafts were highly attracted worldwide and he joined an exhibition in New York recently. Baris Saribas continues to work in Istanbul and Izmir. The artist is represented by Olcay Art Gallery.
Burak Bedenlier
The on-going concept that is embodied in my installations is mainly a question that I developed in the course of my MfA studies; it can be summarized as, “how to make a work of art that has a gift-like quality”. From that time on, I developed works that included elements to give away to the public or to be taken by those interested in it. My installations as a whole constitute a mass of identical pieces in the beginning and are prone to slowly disappear as each piece might be taken away by a viewer who –by becoming the active participant– forms a part of the artwork. While the aim of multiplication is to connect more people into each other and those people to the work as a whole, this process does not lead to an infinite number of multiples. The pieces tend more to be anonymous, they carry neither the artist’s signature, nor any sign that reads, “please take one”. There is always the possibility that the pieces will remain untouched during the course of the exhibition. To me, this approach gradually becomes a practice resembling the gift-giving rituals of ancient civilizations; a ritual that is based on concepts such as bearing responsibility, bestowing rather than receiving, and existence giving way to non-existence. Another point regarding my works is that the isolated pieces face the threat of ending up “unimportant” or “unidentified” when they are separated from the whole. Yet it is exactly at this moment when they begin to interact, be handed over and circulate. When I think of my works and the way they are spread, the image of a sculpture with a thousand heads and a thousand feet comes into my mind. When I think of the process, each piece stands in the middle of its own circle of non-visibility.
Máximo González
My work frequently implies a meticulous construction that is composed of different artisan and plastic offices. When developing a project I explore the materials in their symbolic state, origin, and context where they’re normally found, as well as the impact they generate socially, politically, economically and spiritually. The reutilization, as a form of vindication of the disposed objects, by means of a transformation of the material or agents involved, are a common subject in my work. I analyze the pass of time over speeches, how they can expire or become effective according to the opportunity or a convenient reality. My work does not appeal to a unique sector of the population; it is based on experiences of the daily life and tries to reach different groups. My position has changed through time: as an artist I no longer simply criticize or question, I also propose, generate alternatives, new ways and ideas.
Yigit Yazici
I am Yiğit Yazıcı. I want to live myself in a boundless way without discussing with anyone the meanings of my ideas. I express myself through my painting since the age of 20 and this is the way in which my heart speaks to me. And I know for sure that I will live by painting for all my life. This is a decision I have taken in the beginning of my life and I will continue my path with virtue till the end of it. I define my life purpose as follows: ‘’knowing, composing and transcending myself’’. Painting and art world are serving me to realize this purpose. Being in empathy with my audience gives meaning to my life and dreams. My answer to ‘’why do I exist’’ is, to be aware of moments by creating.To consider myself and my works as a value, taught me to have respect for who I am. My greatest weapon is to face the unknown with courage. My mission consists first in self-awareness and then sharing my works with people. Integrating my mind with nature, which I deeply admire, gives me endless energy. I see myself both as a small part of the universe and the universe itself. My temperament is to hold on to life cheerfully. As I always say, everyhting is a choice. I am choosing to be happy.
