A look at one of the artists from 'Il Faut Etre Absolument Moderne'

Shezad Dawood was one of 11 artists featured, including Jake & Dinos Chapman, Keith Tyson, Diann Bauer,  Mounir Fatmi, Edward Fornieles, Margarita Gluzberg, Idris Khan, Nathaniel Rackowe and Douglas White. Here, he shares his thoughts on Istanbul and more, with us.

 

Tell us about your work in this exhibition. What were your inspirations, what materials did you use? What tools?

I used a variety of elements, including 2 paintings, a bookshelf, table, neon lights, sculpture of a tree, some books and a camel! I like to work with how different stories come together, so inspirations were everything from Islamic miniatures, to Malevich, to found photographs of everyday people.

 

Is there a theme you focused on?

Yes, I was particularly interested in trying to make a mental map of the garden of Eden.

 

Have you had your artwork displayed in Istanbul before? If not, how did you find the audience and response? If so, how did this time differ than the previous?

No, I haven't. The response and the audience have been great. It's been such a pleasure to be here, and meet people.

 

Did you create pieces specifically for this exhibition? Or were the pieces used in other exhibitions around the world?

Normally my projects are really long-term, but I wanted to create something specially for and in Istanbul, so I even made most of the work here. Risky, but rewarding!

 

How long have you been creating art and how did you get started in this industry?

About 10 years. I first got started being in a show at London's Whitechapel, while I was still studying at the Royal College.

 

Who are some of your favorite artists? Contemporary…

I'm a big fan of Haim Steinbach, I like the way he deals with structure. And I really enjoyed the Emre Hüner show at Rodeo, it really overlapped with some of my interests.

 

The opening was last night, what were your thoughts on it? How do you think it went?

It was a long night! I think it went very well, with such a range of people coming. And despite it running from 5pm till midnight, the energy & excitement around it didn't stop......nice to relax now and see the rest of the Biennial exhibitions....

 

* The exhibition is put on by Akalan and Hackworth, in conjunction with Paradise Row Gallery, London.

 

 

‘Il Faut Etre Absolument Moderne’ can be seen until 10 November 2009

Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10-19.00

Lüleci Hendek Caddesi, Ali Hoca Sokak 

Gun Han No 12, Floor 2, Galata