Gulay Semercioglu

Exhibition Catalogue, Istanbul, Pi Artworks, Gulay Semercioglu / Erotic Line Light on the Line, 2011, n.p., illustrated in colour

Condition: This work is in very good condition. Colour: The catalogue illustration is very accurate.
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Gulay Semercioglu has rapidly become one of the most sought-after contemporary female Turkish artists recognised instantly for her unique and effective use of wire, colour and space. Always working toward the intention of becoming a minimalist painter, Semercioglu moved away from this idea to be able to work with illusions and mediums that reflect light and that can be physically engaging for the spectator. From a distance, her works look like finely executed monochrome abstract paintings, but at closer inspection it becomes clear that the finish is distinctive; eight kilometres of thin aluminium wire filling the canvas to create undulating forms and rhythms. Semercioglu has managed to trick the eye for a moment, only later revealing the true material and character of the physically created space of these sculptures.

Through this labour intensive method, Semercioglu represents her knitting process almost as a form of meditation and although she tends to use single colours, the reflection of the light on the wire changes the appearance of the works to give it a further kinetic quality.

Semercioglu feels an affinity to architecture and this is seen by the three-dimensional aspect and sculptural quality of her works. However, she identifies her works as paintings and situates them in the tradition of the history of painting. Due to this, they are connected to and draw references from various art movements such as Op-Art, Colour-Field painting, Minimalism and Constructivism.