Leyla Gediz

Leyla Gediz’ s definition of “Passenger” is twofold: the aloof, introvert wanderer and the traveling inquirer. This dual use of the term enables her to examine her own traveling existence through and over geo-political grounds. With a healthy distance from home, and in the neutral space of Roberts & Tilton, she rearranges her impressions of Turkey. Her exhibition is both a model observatory of socio-cultural signs, and a painter’s response to the impact of national stereotypes on people everywhere.

Each painting in the exhibition represents a different aspect of life in Turkey; and subjects are held in an uneasy frieze for the viewer’s contemplation. “Army Barracks” forms an example. A certain type of building, which would have otherwise gone unnoticed, is brought to the awareness of the viewer, crystallized. Here is a chance to seize reality; no more tourists’ attractions. In this respect, perhaps the most ambitious painting in the exhibition is “Epaulette”. A belly dancer is depicted from throat to thighs only. Despite the ruthless spotlight, Leyla attempts to rid her subject of its “Orientalist” connotations.

Gediz received a Master of Fine Arts from Goldsmiths College, London in 1999, presently works in Istanbul and her work has been included in exhibitions at International Istanbul Biennial, The Museum of Modern Art in Saitama Japan, Martin Gropius Bau in Berlin, Galerist in Istanbul, and most recently at Sommer Contemporary Art in Tel Aviv.

Pressetext

Leyla Gediz
Passenger / Yolcu
New Paintings