Interview: Sureyya Acar
Luca Curci talks with Sureyya Acar during ALCHEMIC BODY at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

Born in Augsburg, Germany, in 1966, Sureyya Acar graduated in 2007 from Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts, Ceramics and Glass Department. In addition to the ceramic department, she has done research in areas such as contemporary materials and method research from the Department of Painting, Jewelry Design from The Sculpture Department, Fabric Printing Design from the textile department. As a result, all disciplines are reflected in her work. Since 2012, she has been teaching ‘Creative Arts’ at Boğaziçi University. Since 2007, she has been continuing her art work in her atelier in Istanbul.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Sureyya Acar – An artist must have something to say about the world, about humanity. When this narrative language involves hands, the words created by the hands must be duly revealed. There should be no limit to the shaping of thoughts: in the work that is shaped, sometimes a mud, sometimes a color, sometimes a garbage tool should be. The creator must be fed both internally and externally, it should be just itself without emulating anyone.

LC – What are you currently working on?
SA – In my last recent work, I dealt with the hierarchy in the world: it was a political work I did for the Exhibition of Thessaloniki New Mosque Museum. The exhibition is open from 21 February to 28 March 2020.

LC – Which is the role the artist plays in the society? And the contemporary art?
SA – I’d rather tell society-related things when I’m producing – I mainly deal with political and sociological issues. The artist should not be disconnected from the world, she can describe what is happening around her in her own materials and aesthetic values. Personally, I like to tell stories like books with unit repetitions in my work. When I’m done with fun, doing puzzles and planning projects, it’s sometimes replaced by anxiety.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
SA – The social psychology that I frequently examine, the sociology of society, finds a place in my work as a result of the process our country is going through. Cultural influences, political events, social traumas or feelings about private life can be perceived together in my works.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
SA – I have had a style since the beginning, but, if an artist develops her style and progresses, she can communicate more effectively. I’m taking care of that: every time I work, I’m discovering something new. In addition to ceramics and painting, I studied materials at school for 3 years – I like to use different materials and design-weighted work when I’m producing.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this festival? In which way did it inspire you?
SA – The fact that the concept is related to 4 elements was reflected in my work for the exhibition. In particular, my Sacred Heart work describes the patriarchal family structure that comes out of the territory of my country.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the festival or as a part of preexisting works?
SA – If there is enough time, I certainly prefer to prepare work according to the concept of each exhibition; I prepared my Sacret Heart work specifically for this exhibition. My other job is a work I had already prepared, but I sent it because it’s a one-on-one overlap with the subject of the exhibition.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
SA – It was great that the event was international and to be united with many artists from different countries.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
SA – Yes, it was a good experience. In addition to introducing oneself in a different country, meeting artists and being in touch is an important detail in these exhibitions; only in this way can we combine the universality of art.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
SA – I find it meaningful and valuable to bring together many artists from the international arena, such as art, design, dance, performance activities. That’s because I think artists have a common language and it’s important for them to meet in the universe with events like this. I also don’t know any other festival (except biennales) that brings different religions and languages together in this way.