Maison Française: December 2012 Issue

Orhan Gonen & Oytun Berktan
Maison Française December 2012 Issue 
On Brand Design & Architecture

Brands have souls, and that unique existence is mainly attached to a visual identity. There are various forms of visuality. Graphic communication and architecture are the main components of a well-defined brand identity. But the starting point is the core strategy. This month on Maison Française, Orhan Gonen and Oytun Berktan talk about brand design and its integrated perspective.

Artwork Project 2010

Artwork Project 2010
On the construction site

It has been an unbelievable journey working with these 8 distinctive artists, everyone of each is specialized in different areas of design, on a very controversial yet simple concept: risk & trust. Two contradictory polars, or feelings mostly we ignore. Throughout the production phase, I've had the opportunity to get to know these gifted artists closer. During planning the details of the project, I always had a behind-the-scenes footage idea that would add value to this unique piece of work we've done. We visited the artists in their own production spots. For industrial designers, these were urban ateliers. It was a unique opportunity for me to visit various types of ateliers, and meet some extraordinary people working behind with the artists to turn a dream into reality.

For Bennu, for instance, it was an outdoor area. We drove 2 hours with her team to the spot where we would take one-shot piece. At the end of the day, we had a magnificent frame which will be presented in Kanyon next week. Han Tümertekin's construction work is also unique for its interactivity as it takes its audience 'inside' and gives the opportunity to interact with the artwork itself directly.

Although the artworks by each artist are in different forms, they reflect a synergy that surrounds the spirit of the whole project. Works of Aziz Sarıyer, Han Tümertekin and Bihrat Mavitan will be exhibited in different locations surrounding the city; while art installations by Derin Sarıyer, Bennu Gerede, Oytun Berktan, Ela Cindoruk and Tan Mavitan will be in Kanyon. Aziz Sarıyer surprised me once again by using such abstract forms and reflect a salient expression.

I believe that when the artworks meet the audience, they will make them question what risk and trust really mean in their lives. Exhibition will be all over the city, but the art installations by Bennu, Derin, Oytun, Ela and Tan will be exhibited in Kanyon between March 25 to May 25.

I can't wait to see all of the artists together in the press conference on March 30th, where they will meet the press about this project for the first time.

Oytun Berktan

I met Oytun in December via Roman Goetsch's recommendation while I was looking for an out-of-the-line type of architect for the reconstruction project for a client of mine. As I got to know him and his art more, he became one of the first names I had in mind while planning the "Artwork Project". He has a great talent and the ability to reflect his inner vision in distinctive forms. I feel lucky to have him in my life. I believe his unique piece of art installation will inspire many and redefine the "risk and trust" concept.