In this insightful Q&A, we sit down with Gokcen Ataman, whose thought-provoking work is currently featured in our latest exhibition. Ataman’s artistic vision explores the complexities of belonging, migration, and the human relationship with the built environment. Through a fascinating mix of found and recycled materials, the artist delves into the ways societies shape their spaces and how architecture reflects cultural identity.
Join us as we uncover the inspirations behind their work, the symbolism of everyday materials, and their reflections on the intricate relationship between nature and humankind.
1
The sense of "not quite belonging to one place" is central to your artistic vision. How does this concept influence your exploration of local architectural practices, and how do you convey this in your visual storytelling?
First of all, I want to define what I mean by local art practices. I am deeply interested in how societies occupy their land and space—how their building practices reflect their cultural and architectural identities. I’m fascinated by how people choose to live, how they decorate their spaces, and the meanings behind these choices. As I explore this theme, I’ve come to realize that in some societies, including the one where I was born and raised, we build structures but somehow don’t fully adapt to them as our own homes. This sense of detachment is a central focus in my art and influences the way I approach each new piece.
2
We know that you enjoy exploring and using different materials in your art. How does your choice of found and recycled materials, such as cardboard, help convey the themes of migration and transience in your work? Are there specific architectural elements that inspire these choices?
Yes, there are specific architectural elements that inspire these choices. I choose cardboard as my primary medium because of its symbolic representation of humanity’s perpetual state of migration and transience. My sculptures reflect our collective experience and serve as a reminder that, as a species, we are always in motion, searching for a sense of home that transcends physical boundaries.
Cardboard boxes, in particular, are powerful symbols of mobility and transition. We compress our lives into these portable containers as we prepare to move to new places. These boxes become vessels of possibility, carrying the hopes, dreams, and memories of immigrants to their destinations.
3
In your exploration of the relationship between nature, humankind, and the urge to build, how do you address the ecological and political aspects of consumption? Do you see your work as a call for more sustainable architectural practices?
I don’t see myself as being in a position to make a call or to criticize or praise any specific practice. Instead, my work is about interpreting the environments I observe, whether online or in real life. I aim to reflect on the relationship between nature, humankind, and the act of building without necessarily advocating for a particular viewpoint. My focus is more on exploring how these dynamics manifest in our world, rather than offering prescriptive solutions.
“My focus is more on exploring how these dynamics manifest in our world, rather than offering prescriptive solutions.“
Gokcen Ataman
