"New You"
PILEVNELI Dolapdere
February 20 - March 23, 2019
PILEVNELI Gallery is preparing to host Gülfem Kessler’s latest solo exhibition titled “New You” between February 20 - March 23, 2019.
The exhibition which consists of latest charcoal on paper works of the artist underlines the message that we cannot be included in the rapidly changing world unless we renew ourselves.
The artist concentrates on themes like human behavior, the control mechanisms people use on each other, the ever so fast destruction of nature and last but not least a new transition into a new world order.
Kessler strongly believes that a whole new world/planet/realm is being built and underlines that “the usual masks, same behaviors, old perspectives and rotes!!! only confine us in the past. I think a new world/planet is built and we have to define everything all over again...” She advocates that humans; animals, things are deeply connected to each other in nature.
Kessler indicates that the 300 year reign of industrial revolution and financial economics has led humans to feel superior but they have finally come to the realisation that consuming in a hedonistic manner is coming to an end and they are therefore suffering the results. In fact, Kessler points out the environmental and existential problems that we all are aware of and thus are paying the price for our arrogance. Despite all this dark view, there is also hope that a new world will be built by people who reach their own potential and spiritual freedom.
Kessler’s works which are full of details cannot be read at first glance - they require patience and curiosity. The simplicity of charcoal and paper draws attention to form and subject matter, thus stories stand out as if they are flowing black and white comic strips. Viewers can spot surprises while looking into her works, discover new beings, plants and members of the new world. The artist mentions that she feels as if she is “creating a new world” while working. Kessler manages not only to make an assessment of the world we live in but she also manages to propose solutions.