In this interview, Mustafa Boga takes us on a journey through his dynamic and multidisciplinary artistic practice, where dreams and sudden thoughts become the seeds of creativity. Rooted in personal experiences and family history, Boga’s work bridges traditional perspectives and contemporary art, exploring themes of identity, culture, and belonging through mediums like video, performance, and textile art. From embroidered quilts to unconventional fabric arrangements, his unique storytelling is shaped by textures and patterns, reflecting an evolving artistic language that thrives on chance encounters and everyday life. Split between Adana and London, Boga finds his hometown’s cultural expressions a vital source of inspiration, while London provides a platform to share his work with a global audience.
1
Can you briefly talk about your general art practice? What were the factors that shaped your practice?
Everything usually begins with an image or thought that suddenly appears in my mind. Then, I start questioning, researching, and trying to understand this idea—which I sometimes call a dream. This marks the beginning of a journey to realize that dream. I’m not tied to any specific technique in my work; each project creates its own practice, and this process excites me the most. With every project, I learn new methods.
Since childhood, I’ve been deeply engaged with all branches of art. While studying journalism and cinema, I drew immense inspiration from artistic works. After graduating from fine arts, all my education turned into a lifestyle, and my artistic practice diversified in this way. Generally, I find my family history captivating and aim to focus on projects that merge traditional perspectives with contemporary art. Alongside this, I explore culture, history, political events we witness or participate in, identity searches, and the sense of belonging. I often start from personal experiences and work towards a broader perspective, using mediums such as video, photography, performance, and installation.
2
Textile design plays a central role in much of your work, from embroidered quilts to unconventional fabric arrangements. How do the textures and patterns of materials influence storytelling in your art?
These works and their stories often emerge entirely by chance—without seeking something specific but constantly observing. While jotting down small notes, I think about where these notes might fit. At this point, I feel like a bee, flitting from one flower to another, drawn to the colors, scents, and forms of materials that attract me the most. Recently, I’ve noticed that the materials I choose are increasingly intertwined with everyday life, as my portfolio reflects growing similarities. This has resulted in what I can now call a unique language of my own.
3
What does it mean for you to sustain your artistic practice between Turkey and the UK? How has being born in Adana and now living in London impacted your art?
“At this point, I feel like a bee, flitting from one flower to another, drawn to the colors, scents, and forms of materials that attract me the most.“
Mustafa Boga
