“Capturing decades of trauma through art,” marks the opening of İrfan Yavru’s latest exhibition, ‘Cem, Cemaat, Cemiyet’ (Gathering, Community, Society), at Karşı Sanat in Beyoğlu, running until 11 May. The artist blends historical photographs with painting to reflect on events such as the Armenian Genocide and the killing of Kemal Kurkut during the 2017 Diyarbakır (Amed) Newroz celebrations.
The exhibition portrays Turkey’s collective historical pains from 1915 onwards, featuring figures such as Seyit Rıza, an Alevi Kurdish leader of the 1937-38 Dersim rebellion, and Ahmet Kaya, a Kurdish musician who was forced into exile where he subsequently died. Yavru shines light on the contextual backdrops of their lives and their tragic endings.
Yavru’s artwork acts as a reminder of Turkey’s darkest moments, urging societal reflection. His piece on the Armenian Genocide, for example, extends to a commentary on ongoing injustices, symbolised by details such as the six holes in a shoe, a reference to the assassination of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink in 2007.
“Art can bridge the gap between conflicting memories,” Yavru explained. By incorporating figures from both the political right and left, he highlights shared national traumas. His works encourage an understanding that transcends individual experience, aiming to cultivate a sense of communal healing.
Collective grief can be transformed into a foundation for unity, a theme that deeply resonates in today’s divided society, the artist said.