Artist Name: Arda Yalkin and Hande Sekerciler (ha:ar)
Residency Dates: March - May
Born: 1974 / 1982
Hometown: Ankara / Inegol, Turkey
Lives & Works: Istanbul, Turkey
URL: http://ardayalkin.com ; http://www.handesekerciler.com
Education: Ankara University / Marmara University

Bio / Statement:

Admirers of classical art and modern technology, the Istanbul based artist duo ha:ar  (Arda Yalkin and Hande Sekerciler) create an unusual body of works realized through the mastery of classical sculpting methods blended with video, digital imaging and digital sculpting techniques. Plasticity of classical art and contemporary aesthetics are brought together through their collaborative efforts. Topics addressed highlight the existential struggles of humankind in a technological environment and conflicts brought about by the civilization we have build.

While in secondary school, Arda Yalkin developed an interest in computers (Commodore, Amiga, 8088 processors) and rock'n'roll music. Since 2014 he has worked with sound technology and organized  live video performances for international musicians and festivals; directing music videos and commercials for major companies. As an artist Arda produces 2D and 3D animations, stop-motion, synthesizes sounds & images, photography and interactive media. He describes his practice as referring to “unpleasant subjects such as power dynamics, consumer society, assimilation, war, politics, religion and dissolution”. Arda attaches great importance to the tactics that drive consumer ads, mainstream movies and mass media. His methodology, which he describes as a form of reverse engineering is a commentary on how capital and the power of politics apply refined and well crafted techniques of communication in order to exploit the masses.

Solo shows include: Everything is Awesome, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul (2016); Deep Fried Dreams 2, Cer Modern, Ankara (2015); Deep Fried Dreams, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul (2014); and Hardworking Little People, Alan Istanbul, Istanbul (2012). Recent group shows include; 2017 FIAC - Paris Moving Image Istanbul, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul; Contemporary Istanbul 2017, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul; Moving Image, Gaia Gallery, New York; The State Museum of Oriental Art Bilge Collection Exhibition, Moscow; Contemporary Istanbul 2017, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul; ODTU/METU Sanat 2017, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul; Moving Image, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul; Contemporary Istanbul 2016, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul; Alter-Hero, Gaia Gallery, Istanbul; Loop Barcelona Video Fest. 2016, Gaia Gallery, Barcelona; Call of Marsyas 2016, Gaia Gallery, Bodrum.

Hande Sekerciler attended Marmara University Department of Arts and Crafts Teacher Education from 1998 to 2002. She holds a great appreciation of apprenticeship and self education.  Hande's figurative sculptures develop out of admiration towards realistic works of renaissance and Hellenistic period. Her interest in technology and new production techniques helps her to mix classical forms and contemporary production methods; using state-of- the-art software and hardware is a part of her production process.

Most recent solo exhibitions include: 2018 Gaia Gallery - Organized by Unilever Turkey benefit of Cancer Warriors Foundation; 2015 Monophobia, Gaia Gallery - Istanbul; and 2010 “Siradakiler”, Gallery Selvin – Istanbul. Group exhibitions include:  2017 Contemporary Istanbul, Gaia Gallery - Istanbul; 2016 Contemporary Istanbul, Gaia Gallery - Istanbul; The Call of Marsyas, Gaia Gallery - Istanbul; Mystery of Figure, Plato Sanat - Istanbul; Alter Hero, Gaia Gallery - Istanbul; Fugitive Shadow, Elgiz Museum - Istanbul; 2015 Plaza Worker, Elgiz Museum – Istanbul; and Small Faces, Large Sizes, Elgiz Museum – Istanbul.

Galleries:
Gaia Gallery, Istanbul

Select Permanent Collections: Bilge, Polimeks, Aygüler, Global Holding, NGIM Holding, Borusan

Support: ha:ar's residency is made possible with support from Ali Kerem Bilge.