_{Image courtesy of Irem Arcasoy}

Interview: Irem Arcasoy

Luca Curci talks with Irem Arcasoy during ANIMA MUNDI FESTIVAL 2019 – RITUALS  at THE ROOM Contemporary Art Space.

İrem Arcasoy is a Turkish artist born in İstanbul and graduated from french High School Notre Dame de Sion then from the Faculty of Literature Department, English Literature at Istanbul University. İrem’ s interest in art begins in preschool ages. After some work experiences in various international companies she started to paint in 2005 at Pi Artworks Gallery studio trying to appreciate different style of works, techniques, patterns and figures. To deepen her art skills she worked with Antonio Cosentino, İrfan Önürmen, Mustafa Pancar, Burcu Perçin, Meray Topsakal internationally known artists. She considers herself as an artist of figurative style and she is inspired by the human faces that have touched her soul. Her work is known for her simple colour palette and her portraits with a great emotional load. Her delicate portraits need to reflect something of the past. Their characters always intend that they are going through some kind of deep melancholy.

”…childhood is a place between dream and reality, full of endless possibilities. Adult is nothing else than the infidelity to this childhood spirit.” Donald Winnicott.

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_{Image courtesy of Irem Arcasoy}

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Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Irem Arcasoy – To me, Art is a field of complete freedom of expressing emotions and recorded memories. It is very personal.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
IA – I am a Turkish self-taught artist born in İstanbul and graduated from french High School Notre Dame de Sion then from the Faculty of Literature Department, English Literature at Istanbul University.
My interest in art begins in preschool ages. After some work experiences in various international companies I started to paint in 2005 at Pi Artworks Gallery/Istanbul studio trying to appreciate different style of works, techniques, patterns and figures. To deepen my art skills I worked with Antonio Cosentino, İrfan Önürmen, Mustafa Pancar, Burcu Perçin, Meray Topsakal internationally well known artists. I consider myself as an artist of figurative style and I am inspired by the human faces that have touched my soul. My work is known for my simple color palette and my portraits with a great emotional load. My delicate portraits need to reflect something of the past. My characters always intend that they are going through some kind of deep melancholy.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in the society? And the contemporary art?
IA – I believe Artists are the powerful and sensual role players for those who want to explore their soul. To tell the truth i simply paint for myself.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
IA – Mainly my inspiration comes from my surrounding…My family, my son, my friends also from my childhood experiences. I believe childhood is a place between dream and reality, full of endless possibilities. Adult is nothing else than the infidelity to this childhood spirit.. as Donald Winnicott said.

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_{Image courtesy of Irem Arcasoy}

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LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
IA – Particularly painting a face is a primarily challenging part of the process. Giving a sense of a sadness or gloomy effect on a face is a long experience and I am never satisfied about the result. So what i do is working when i am ready in my head. I usually start with a sketch and continue with color preparations. Being in the studio is like a therapy. I sometimes work with a loud music and drink cups of coffee or sometimes i flow with a selection of Bach at the background. I am quiet and concentrated with my work. I can spend days and days at the studio. I don t mind working hard.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this festival? In which way did it inspire you?
IA – Unfortunately I was not able to attend the festival due to my heavy schedule. The concept of the show was interesting. The Room Contemporary Art Space and the other locations are unique but what fascinated me is being part of the festival at the same time of the Venice Biennale.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this exhibition? How is it connected to the theme of the entire festival?
IA – I have participated the festival with one work. I think the feeling of the work is in connection with the rupture between our childhood spirit and our contemporary fast moving life.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
IA – I believe this international platform will bring new opportunities to emerging artists. It is a good opportunity to exhibit internationally and the festival especially provides a unique experience for artists to show their work in this historic spaces in Venice that ITSLIQUID Group manages.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
IA – I am very pleased to have met you and be a part of your organisation. I would certainly like to be part again. Thank you.