Lathyrus' Dawn
Art Sumer Gallery / The Empire Project
12 September - November 12 2020
ArtSümer is delighted to host Banu Birecikligil’s solo exhibition titled The Morning of Lathyrus in collaboration with The Empire Project from 12 September to 14 November 2020.
Comprising Birecikligil's new paintings and sculptures, the exhibition draws parallels with the current social/health dilemma by highlighting the dangers inherent in our desire to alleviate the feelings of isolation and loneliness we are currently experiencing, emphasising themes of humanity, belonging, warmth, continuity, and community spirit, which are our fundamental social needs. The artist's seventh solo exhibition takes its name from the Lathyrus plant, a highly poisonous member of the pea family.
Lathyrus is the common name for a wild pea family with colourful, delicate flowers that appear innocent but contain highly poisonous species. This wild pea has been a food source for poor people during times of famine. In some cases, this plant has sudden side effects, and when consumed over a long period of time, it causes irreversible paralysis from the legs to the waist. A discomfort experienced by Birecikligil after an innocent but poisonous encounter with this plant in his own garden leaves a deep impression on the artist. When investigating the cause of his discomfort, Birecikligil encounters the plant's Russian roulette-like existence, and this plant, which brings to mind the problems we face today, becomes a symbol of our times for the artist.
Birecikligil describes her thoughts on the subject as follows: "The predicament humanity faced at that time was terrifying. Being so desperate that you would risk paralysis just to avoid starving to death... In recent times, we too have experienced anxiety and fear of death firsthand. Whether it be the chemical composition of a plant or a virus, we have seen how tiny entities can weaken our physical existence and mental health. We have realised that our naive longing to return to the nature we so easily destroyed is not enough, and that we are too fragile to return in an instant."
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