Exhibition Conception & Design

Getting ready for an exhibition is like working on a world-tour. The only difference is that you meet your audience once, and all the effort you spend becomes a relief on the opening night.

Revelation is my fourth exhibition; and unlike the previous ones, this time it's in Istanbul. This journey began with my visit to Ishtar Gate, located in the holly lands of Antu. By some ancient era theorists, it is assumed to be the place where humanity began. The secrets of our being and mysterious Anunnaki connection is said to lie over these lands. So, this was the inspiration for the concept of my new exhibition. Everything starts with a concept. A story with integrity, which outlines the nature and tonality of your work. Then comes working on details, like the cast, costumes, accessories, hair and make-up styles reflecting the concept. I usually sketch the frames on my mind before grabbing my camera for the photo-shoot. I believe this works well to discuss the above contents with different members of the crew, in order to get the right reflection for the final output. 

PPMs are important milestones for the exhibition. I usually have 3 major meetings; first one with the costume designer and stylist. In this one, I share the concept on my mind, and decide on the right kind of garments and accessories. Then comes the cast selection. I usually choose among the faces and bodies, that I believe best fits the story that I want to reflect. Then I search for the right spots, indoor or outdoor, for the photo-shoot. And the final meeting is with the whole team, preparing the line-up and discussing photo-shoot details. It's an exciting journey that keeps you busy for almost a month or more, depending on the complexity of the project.

Aperture Magazine on Orhan Gonen

This year has been an amazing one from both personal and business perspective. I had the opportunity to meet with wonderful people dedicated to their cause and have a great heart. For me, the year started with long distance travels on multinational projects along with getting ready for my first retroperspective exhibition, Variations. There's been an intense press interest on the exhibition; from local to international media.

Aperture is one of the few favorite magazines of mine representing latest design and photography trends. When Jules Moore contacted me for an interview request, I was so excited. But when I learned that they want to use this interview as a cover story, it was even more flattering. What a wonderful way of closing a year, filled with unique emotions and acclaimed business success.

This month on Aperture, you can have a look at my exclusive interview by Jules Moore on conceptual design and photography.

Variations Press Review

The opening night was amazing. I would like to thank all who attended and shared their valuable comments with me. Coffeeco team was also wonderful with their support and delicious catering. Dilek, you are the best!

As the cafe setting provides an opportunity to interact with guests visiting the exhibition, it was also a distinctive experience for me as well. I've been at Coffeeco almost every day both for their wonderful meal and to check the atmosphere for the exhibition. I met wonderful people, who had questions about the pieces, sharing their own interpretation of my photos, or just came by to meet me. There's been also an intense media interest on the exhibition and opening event. It's been news on all major newspapers and lifestyle magazines. Variations exhibition will be hosted at Coffeeco until November 30th.

Contemporary Istanbul

A great number of art lovers, collectors and members of foreign and domestic press gathered at the only international contemporary art fair in Turkey, Contemporary Istanbul. This one was the 6th exhibition and opened on 23rd November. The fair has been visited by 62,000 art lovers and 2,100 collectors in 5 days. As the most extensive modern and contemporary art event in Turkey, Contemporary Istanbul hosted national and international galleries, artists from all over the world. The exhibition was to showcase contemporary art through different media like painting, sculpture, photography, performance, installation and video. But among all forms, I was more attracted by large scale sculptures and motion based installations.

Compared to previous years, it took more time to visit all pieces as the participation was enormous. My favorite pieces were various from sculpture to installation; however one that took my attention in the first place was the moving sculpture of Server Demirtas. I spent almost 5 minutes watching the sculpture with spontaneous movements back and forth hanging in deep perspective background. Another tempting corner was by Soda Art Gallery having a dominant scene with Derrick Santini's lenticular lightbox pieces. I like Soda exhibitions, as the gallery focuses on artists and designers using different materials and medias from various disciplines. They also support contemporary art jewellery, which is a globally rising trend. Jan Fabre's bronze statues represented by AD Gallery were stunning. The gallery was established in Athens, exhibiting avant-garde Greek and international art for more than a decade. Every exhibition by AD is organized according to its own criteria and with no reference to any previous shows.

6th Contemporary Istanbul will be welcoming guests at Istanbul Congress Center by November 25th.