Interview: Irem Arcasoy
Luca Curci talks with Irem Arcasoy during THE EXTENDED BODY 2020 at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space and during ANIMA MUNDI 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 color 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.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Irem Arcasoy – To me, Art is a field of complete freedom of expressing emotions and recorded memories. And the artists are playing a very powerful and sensual role for those who want to explore their soul. Also It is very personal.

LC – What are you currently working on?
IA – I am currently at home due the coronovirus quarantine and I work on some drawings as much as i can do. Looking forward to being in the studio again. I have plans for a new solo exhibition.

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 Istanbul. I am graduated from french High School then from the Faculty of Literature Department at Istanbul University. My interest in art begins in preschool ages. After some office experiences in various international companies I made a radical decision. That is how my life has changed. I first started to sketch models at Pi Artworks Gallery studio in Istanbul. In years I tried to appreciate different style of mediums and techniques.To deepen my art skills I worked with several Intl artists in different studios. My works are often linked to my psychological situation where colors and forms would come together to represent several state of soul. Each work is like an autobiography.

LC – What is your creative process like?
IA – I must confess I paint only for myself but I am also driven by the frustration of people who want to see a happy world in my works. I paint sadness, anxiety, desperation,ambiguity sometimes. But there is sadness in the world isn’t there! The color of my canvases is monochrome. I use hue, tone as emotional signifiers.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
IA – Going back and forth in time as memories are not erased. They are covered by another layer which makes them seem to disappear but they are very much there. These are the moments once near and far and strange and familiar. The decision of color comes from my emotional state. I try to give a touch of simplicity with a profound foreground. My portraits belong to something bigger and deeper of a sensual life.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
IA – I consider my portraits to be a never direct representation of a specific person. I am concerned with the reflection of the past. To me eyes are windows to the soul and the most expressive part of the face.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
IA – I paint what is in my heart and I think it touches other people’s hearts. When I paint it means something is depressing me, but i don’t know wthat it is so it is a kind of healing anxiety, a restoration. It comes from a deep need to calm this trouble.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
IA – I have participated in the Venice Exhibition too. I think the locations are very unique and ITSLIQUID Group is very professional in terms of organising selective exhibitions and gathering many artists from different countries.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
IA – I believe this international platform will bring new opportunities to emerging artists. It is a good opportunity to exhibit internationally. It provides a unique experience for artists to show their work in one of the most spectacular, vibrant and beautiful city in the world, London.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
IA – I am very pleased to have met you and be a part of your organisation for the second time. I would certainly like to be part again.