4/3/2015
Kirkor Sahakoglu
Depo, Istanbul
Absent. An exhibition with 39 paintings and one video
Depo hosts Kirkor Sahakoglu's exhibition titled 'Absent' comprised of 39 paintings and one video. Sahakoglu's works are manifestations of a surprising rush of emotions, a profound anguish of the soul... Paintings of 'Absent', created through improvisation with intense and free brushstrokes, bear the tokens of a soot-black reticence and a bleeding void. Coalescing with these paintings the video presents a disquieting reality, a harsh insurgence that questions life and death. Sahakoglu notes that in 'Absent' he expresses a state of being left wanting, a loss not duly lamented, a sorrow passed on from one generation to the next: 'These paintings are a bond that I established with the ones I have lost. This is why they do not each have a separate name. If they did, they would probably be called Artin, Agop, Sarkis, Yeranus, Hripsime, Bogos. But for me the name of all of these paintings is Absent. Yes, this century is the story of an absence, of being left wanting. And even the stirrings of those who persist to exist despite these.' Opening: Thursday 5 March, 18:30.