The exhibition ‘Reflexion’ (Yansımalar) by Ali Zülfikar has opened at Berlin’s Junge Welt Maigalerie, featuring a prominent portrait of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan entitled Cry for Freedom. Created on a large tree using natural dyeing techniques, the work highlights Öcalan’s decades-long imprisonment and draws attention to international commitments to Kurdish rights. The exhibition, which runs until 14 November, features 40 works, including portraits of figures such as Greta Thunberg, Figen Yüksekdağ and Nelson Mandela, all with themes of resistance and social justice.
During the opening ceremony, Left Party MP Gökay Akbulut spoke about the struggles of artists and intellectuals in Turkey, linking these challenges to the oppression of political prisoners. Akbulut stressed that Öcalan, like other leaders such as Rosa Luxemburg, Nelson Mandela and Che Guevara, symbolises resilience in the face of repression. She expressed the hope that the exhibition would serve as a beacon for those fighting for cultural rights and democracy, especially under pressure from fascist groups.
Curator Petra Löschert also spoke at the event, praising Zülfikar’s work for its depth and exploration of human resilience. She noted how his portraits, rich in social and political commentary, provoke reflection on individual struggles and societal issues. Löschert highlighted Zülfikar’s use of dramatic red and white tones to evoke strong emotional responses, reinforcing the exhibition’s focus on themes of reflection, humanity and the ongoing struggle for freedom.
The exhibition is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 13:00 to 18:00.
