The facade of a historic han in Beyoğlu sets the tone for Rahşan Düren’s latest exhibition, Verwegenheit. Cloaked in black, the building’s entrance exudes an enigmatic, almost haunted-house aura that invites curiosity. Inside, the exhibition unfolds across four floors, showcasing 100 abstract works by the German-born artist.
The title, Verwegenheit, translates to “daring, courageous, and fearless” in German, hinting at the audacity Düren brings to her artistic explorations. This boldness is reflected in the exhibition’s striking visual presentation. The staircase, bathed in red neon light, cuts through the monochromatic palette of black-and-white paintings that dominate the walls. Some works spill directly onto the walls themselves, creating graffiti-like interventions that pulse with raw, spontaneous energy.
One room, fully enveloped in black-and-white paintings, features a white neon installation of fragmented lines. While visually striking, its purpose within the broader context of the exhibition remains unclear. The lack of explanatory material leaves visitors grappling with the meaning and intent behind the works, diminishing their potential resonance.
Despite this, Verwegenheit offers a sensory experience for those drawn to the interplay of atmospheric tension and contemporary abstraction. However, the exhibition feels more focused on creating an evocative setting than on fostering deeper intellectual or emotional engagement. Its haunting aesthetic captivates, but the absence of meaningful context or narrative risks leaving the audience adrift.
In the end, Düren’s Verwegenheit is an exercise in mood and style – an intriguing, if not fully realised, exploration of daring in art.
Alexandra de Cramer
Issue 66, December 2023
Turkey’s Centenary Issue
