2 + 1: Merve Morkoç

Galerist is pleased to present Merve Morkoç’s solo exhibition titled ‘2+1’ from 17 April to 17 May 2014. The recent works of Morkoç springs from the experience of being a two bedroom (2+1) home owner and in time morphing into an everyday item similar to a lifeless object such as a sofa decorated with traditional embroidery or a table cloth... Using a variety of techniques and materials, the artist reflects the disruption of the relationship between the figure and its living space and gathers beauty and foulness in harmony on the same body and surface.

Merve Morkoç’s paintings are inspired by the culture and life of the streets, where she feels independent. For her, the internet, streets, gallery walls, paper and materials of any size can easily turn into an effective medium. In this context, the artist is enthused by animation figures, commercials and narrative styles of urban origin that surround her.

In her works, Morkoç is capable of creating alluring narratives and forms, while keeping a characteristic distance with the viewer. Her approach can be summarized as: “Ugly as a concept, yet charming as a package”. Referring to her murals Morkoç says: “…An infinite presence is not my concern. On the contrary, what matters is to be able to paint on that very wall. Five years or five minutes; well, frankly, to me, it doesn’t matter at all.”  Merve Morkoç was born in 1986 and has graduated from the Graphic Designs at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. The vigor in Morkoç’s statement is a warranty that ensures her works, which are inspired by the street, will exert their presence and vitality as strongly in the gallery space.