Art On Istanbul presents Canan Dağdelen’s solo exhibition Lâ Mekân at Art On Piyalepaşa from September 21 – October 28, 2023.
Based in Vienna, Dağdelen centers her practice on architecture. Drawing closely from the cultural elements of her origins, she defines fundamental concepts of life through the lens of architecture, reflecting the process of self-awareness and consciousness. Primarily working with space, the artist constructs environments in a minimalist and refined language, exploring dualities such as interior-exterior, density-delicacy, movement-stasis, and other contrasting axes.
Beyond this, Dağdelen explains that her exhibition Lâ Mekân seeks to establish “the simultaneity of space and non-space, following the equation of the existing and the non-existent.” By creating subtle connections and transitions between diverse forms, content, and methods, she prompts the audience to perceive new forms of knowledge.
The world is a realm of being and non-being. What matters is transcending apparent chaos to capture the absolute laws behind it. Canan Dağdelen’s creative practice adheres to certain principles and rational approaches, yet remains open to chance and embraces irrational, mystical inclinations. Her works, arising at the intersection of the abstract and the concrete, symbolize contemporary realities while echoing the heritage of ancient civilizations.
For detailed information and visuals: info@artonistanbul.com
Accompanying the exhibition is the Lâ Mekân catalogue, which includes a comprehensive essay by Derya Yücel, Istanbul 2023.
Born in Istanbul in 1960, Canan Dağdelen earned her degree from Vienna University of Economics and Business in 1986 and her Master’s from the University of Applied Arts Vienna in 1991. She has been a faculty member at the same institution since 2003. Living in Vienna, her works have recently been shown at Pallazo Ducale Mantova, Jesuitenfoyer Vienna, Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art Kanazawa, Museum Liaunig, Neuhaus / Suha, Galeri Nev Ankara, and Viktor Bucher Vienna, and are included in numerous museum and private collections.
