The artist Erkut Terliksiz (Turkey, 1978) returns to amaze the Roman public with his new solo exhibition entitled Isola, which opened last July at the Dorothy Circus Gallery. This is the second time the Turkish artist has exhibited his works in the capital’s gallery, bringing with him an artistic exploration deeply influenced by the pandemic.
The title of the exhibition, Isola, is an Italian word that reflects not only the physical concept of isolation, but also a deeper dimension of introspection and freedom. During the difficult months of the pandemic, Erkut imagined a remote island in the company of his family, a place that found expression in his works through scenarios that combine solitude and hope.
The exhibition
The eight works on display represent the fruit of Erkut Terliksiz’s artistic research, which combines error and development in a creative process without fixed rules. Erkut starts with a stain, a random element that transforms under his thick brushes into a dynamic and powerful composition. Among the works on display, titles such as ‘Dungeon’, ‘Mars Opening Party’ and ‘Exodus’ stand out, offering powerful and deeply contemporary narratives. These paintings explore themes such as the moral decay of society, individual struggles and human resilience. Each canvas tells a story that reflects the contradictions and difficulties of our time, transforming the artistic experience into a dialogue with the world.
The inspiration of Erkut Terliksiz
Erkut Terliksiz, known for his comic style and bright colours, draws inspiration from the masters of cubism such as Picasso, Guston and Condo. His works deform reality, emphasising features such as eyes, ears and noses, to create dramatic and energetic compositions. Despite the sometimes sombre themes, his painting remains playful and lively, making each work a celebration of vulnerability and impermanence.
Terliksiz’s compositions challenge convention, proposing unorthodox dimensions and flattened perspectives that leave the viewer free to decide where to focus their attention. This approach, based on intuition and possibility, reflects an acute sensitivity to the world around us, where art becomes a means to encounter oneself and challenge the rules of the future.
In a recent interview at the Dorothy Circus Gallery, the artist shared his thoughts on art and its role in contemporary society. «I think the role of art should be to provide the means for the viewer to encounter himself. And I firmly believe that the rules of the future will only be challenged when individuals have the courage to change something,» said Erkut, emphasising the transformative power of art and the need for continuous reflection.
Courtesy Dorothy Circus Gallery and the artist
