SANATORIUM is proud to present Hop Through We Hop, the fourth solo exhibition by Turkish artist Irmak Canevi, running from November 8 to December 21, 2024. In this exhibition, Canevi delves into the concept of “permission” through an innovative exploration of materials, methods, and personal identity.
At the heart of the exhibition is Canevi’s intervention in the gallery space, where he creates a literal and symbolic opening in the wall—a window to view the world inside. This gap invites passersby to peer into the gallery, challenging the conventional boundaries of art spaces. Through this opening, viewers encounter Rainbow Dragon, a striking sculpture made from paper coffee cups covered in concrete and wax. Inspired by the Chinese two-headed dragon, the piece symbolically bridges the gap between the pragmatic and the playful, echoing beliefs in feng shui that dragons fly freely through gaps in high-rise buildings.
Canevi’s sculptures in Hop Through We Hop are made from unconventional materials such as vacuum-sealed candies and deconstructed paper coffee cups. Works like Lip Burn (O), Snap, and You Are Sweet explore the intersections of materiality, identity, and loss. You Are Sweet is a poignant reference to Felix Gonzalez-Torres’ Untitled (Portrait of Ross in L.A.), which immortalizes the artist’s grief over the loss of his lover.
The exhibition also features urban-inspired models in shadow boxes, abstract reliefs constructed through collage and bricolage techniques. These pieces reflect Canevi’s ability to deconstruct everyday imagery and transform it into intricate works of art. A particularly intriguing installation is a figure covered in tennis balls, symbolizing the limitations of movement and play, while also serving as a pedestal for smaller sculptures.
In this exhibition, Canevi explores how personal permission intersects with the artistic process. He grants himself the freedom to express his queer existence, both artistically and socially, without seeking external approval. The exhibition ultimately speaks to the broader concept of granting oneself the freedom to be, to create, and to exist without restriction.
Irmak Canevi’s work has been exhibited internationally and he is known for his experimental approach to art, blending various media and techniques. Hop Through We Hop marks another significant step in his exploration of identity, materiality, and personal expression. For art lovers and those interested in the fluidity of self-expression, this exhibition is a must-see.
Hop Through We Hop is on view at SANATORIUM in Istanbul through December 21, 2024.
