An interview with Mixed-media artist Nesibe Bostancı.
What initially sparked your interest in pursuing art, and how has your journey evolved since then?
My interest in art has been a passion within me since a young age. However, the development of this passion and its impact on shaping me can be attributed to several factors. Growing up and living as a woman in Turkey has been a significant influence in deepening my relationship with art. The struggles of being a woman propelled me into an internal quest for empowerment. My introduction to cinema and video was, in fact, a reflection of this internal search. I realized that these media platforms provided a powerful means for expressing my emotions and thoughts. In an environment where women are silenced, these platforms became a tool for me to be a voice and convey my societal messages. My art became a tool of resistance against systems that sought to silence me. I learned to express my identity strongly despite the challenges of being a woman. At every step, I further understood how art empowered me and how it could change the world around me.
Growing up and living as a woman in Turkey has been a significant influence in deepening my relationship with art.
Can you tell us about a specific piece of your artwork that holds particular significance to you, and what inspired its creation?
If I were to discuss a particular piece of my artwork that holds special significance, the inspiration behind it is people. Their presence serves as a poignant reminder of the countless untold stories waiting to be discovered. For me, art is a means of expressing human experiences. Hence, I gravitate towards the video format as it allows me to delve into the depths of individuals and dynamically convey their narratives. Video art, with its flexibility, enables me to immerse viewers in the story, fostering a profound interaction. Therefore, I utilize my art as a conduit for individuals to share their emotions and experiences.
How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and experimenting with new techniques or styles?
My artistic vision, while advocating for change as an inherent part of itself, is rooted in a principle of remaining open to constant innovation. Depending on my experiences and the passage of time, my work may display innovation and variability. However, in balancing these changes, I do not compromise on my fundamental values, preserving my authenticity. While I explore new techniques and media experiences, I am careful not to succumb to trends. Consequently, by striking a balance between flexibility and originality, I enhance my artistry while safeguarding my freedom of expression.
by striking a balance between flexibility and originality, I enhance my artistry while safeguarding my freedom of expression
What role do you believe art plays in society, and how do you envision your work contributing to the artistic dialogue?
Certainly! Art plays a significant role in society as it provides individuals with a means to express their emotions and thoughts. Particularly in oppressive societies, art offers people the freedom to voice themselves and become a source of advocacy. My art resembles a silent scream within this context. I aim to touch people's inner worlds, enabling them to articulate themselves and shed light on societal issues. I believe that my art can bring people together and contribute to societal change. Therefore, I strive to ensure that my art has a positive impact on society.
I aim to touch people's inner worlds, enabling them to articulate themselves and shed light on societal issues. I believe that my art can bring people together and contribute to societal change. Therefore, I strive to ensure that my art has a positive impact on society.
Are there any upcoming projects or themes that you're excited to explore in your future artworks, and if so, what draws you to these ideas?
In future art projects, I am particularly excited about exploring new places and uncovering the unique stories of the people there. This idea resonates with me because discovering the world appeals not only to a specific audience but to humanity as a whole. I am drawn to the prospect of delving into diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences, and translating those encounters into artistic expressions. Each new location offers a wealth of inspiration and narratives waiting to be explored, and I am eager to immerse myself in these journeys through my art.
I am particularly excited about exploring new places and uncovering the unique stories of the people there.
How do you hope your art will impact viewers, and what message or emotion do you aspire to convey through your creative expressions?
I hope to impact viewers of my art by emotionally engaging them and prompting profound reflection. My aim is to touch their inner worlds and offer them a fresh perspective. The message I seek to convey through my art revolves around themes of humanity, empathy, and the power of connections. My hope is that viewers, when experiencing my art, will engage in self-discovery, contemplation, and perhaps see the world through a slightly different lens. Creative expressions will be utilized to effectively communicate these messages and emotions to the audience. This could manifest through various techniques, colours, and forms, aiming to provide a unique experience with each piece.