Memory and transformation converge in the latest work of Turkish artist Arslan Sükan. The artist rescued archival photographs from the 19th century (1890-1920), distorted by chemical decomposition, and now available again thanks to preservation and his exquisite eye. The past has been rediscovered, allowing fragments of it to resonate in the present. Sükan's recovery of these photographs results in a visual resurrection that perpetuates fleeting memories of the past, challenging the fragility of collective memory. The impermanence of life is represented through the tension between deterioration and restoration in these images.
Sükan's work ensures that these forgotten photographs do not disappear into oblivion, but remain alive, preserving public memory and welcoming a shared journey through time. New narratives are forged when past and present merge, with the presence and absence of decay and rebirth coexisting in a delicate balance.Through his images, the artist ensures that historical moments do not fade into obscurity, but rather endure through a shared experience with the viewer. These photographs become a medium for past lives and stories to intersect with our present consciousness, leading us to reflect on the permanence of memory and its role in shaping our identities.
Discover this captivating photography that seamlessly combines elements of fashion and figurative art, showcasing an innovative vision.
More Sizes and Editions:
Small size: 50 H x 75 W cm. Edition 3 + 1AP
Large size: 100 H x 130 W cm. Edition 3 + 1AP
People XIV. From The Dis(This) appearance series. Figurative Photography
People XIV, 2024
From The Dis(This) appearance series
Archival photographic paper (200gm) semi matt
Dimensions: 70 H x 100 W cm.
Edition of 3 + 1 AP
Unframed
Born in Ankara, Turkey in 1973, Sukan's art has been showcased in notable venues worldwide, including Maison des Metallos (Paris), Maxxi Museum (Rome), Istanbul Modern Museum, and major art fairs like Art Basel and FIAC. He currently lives and works between New York and Istanbul.