Phenomena

The exhibition Phenomena delves into the intersection of the seen and the unseen, the tangible and the ephemeral. Centred around the works of Alem Korkut, the exhibition explores the transient nature of perception, the passage of time, and the elusive qualities of phenomena that escape easy definition.

Korkut's art, renowned for its conceptual rigour and minimalist aesthetic, is an immersive experience. His works often challenge the viewer's understanding of form and space, playing with the dynamics of light, shadow, and movement. This creates an environment where the boundary between the physical and the metaphysical becomes blurred, inviting you to engage and be part of the art.

Phenomena is designed as an experiential journey, encouraging viewers to engage with the artworks not just visually but physically and emotionally. The exhibition layout is dynamic, with each space offering a new perspective on the concept of phenomena—whether it be through the subtle movement of light across a surface, the slow erosion of a material, or the interplay between solidity and fragility.

Through Korkut's works, Phenomena challenges us to reconsider our perception of reality, urging us to find meaning in the transient and the impermanent. The exhibition becomes a meditation on the constant flow of time and the elusive nature of phenomena that shape our understanding of the world.

Alem Korkut's works crafted from aluminium or epoxy resin, predominantly in shades of grey or white, exemplify his minimalist approach and deep engagement with materiality and form. These sculptures and installations are characterised by their stark simplicity, yet they evoke a powerful presence that transcends their physicality.

Korkut's use of aluminium results in works that are sleek, reflective, and industrial in appearance. The metal's inherent qualities—its lightness, durability, and capacity to be precisely shaped—allow Korkut to create sharp and fluid forms, often with smooth, polished surfaces that interact subtly with light.

The grey tones of aluminium, ranging from matte to highly reflective, contribute to a sense of ambiguity. The works seem to hover between presence and absence, solidity and ethereality, challenging the viewer's perception of weight and volume.

Epoxy resin, when used by Korkut, is typically moulded into seamless forms with an immaculate finish. The resin allows for a purity of form and an almost otherworldly surface. These pieces are often white, with a soft, uniform texture contrasting with the more metallic sheen of aluminium.

Korkut’s choice of these materials and restricted colour palette strip his works down to their essentials, focusing the viewer's attention on form, texture, and spatial dynamics. The neutral grey and white tones remove any distraction of colour, allowing the sculptures to communicate through their interaction with light, shadow, and the space they inhabit.

Korkut's work deals with the visual sensation of matter. Gravity, density, surface and the documentation of different states of aggregation are at the centre of his sculptural concentration.

"All the media I use: sculpture, video, photography, drawing or interactive installation are means to de-automate, discredit, slow down, speed up, listen, observe and invite the viewer to marvel with me." - Alem Korkut

At the heart of Korkut's artistic intent is not a single event, emotion, or experience; rather, he is concerned with the various ways in which basic visual elements are produced to represent the elemental dimensions of the individual and society metaphorically. The exploration of expressive possibilities plays an essential role in this context. These move, regardless of the chosen medium, within the framework of sculptural language.