The new exhibition of Ekin Su Koç titled “Rebirth of Venus,” features a captivating collection of artworks she commenced in Berlin and completed in Ayvalık. Opening on September 9 2023 at Anna Laudel Bodrum, this exhibition delves into the complex themes of body perception, gender biases, and the essence of femininity.
Koç’s artistic practice is informed by consistently evolving dialogues about migration, displacement, gender dynamics, nature, and body perception. “Rebirth of Venus” connects personal and societal points of reference, welcoming visitors to experience a profound narrative throughout the exhibition on October 23.
The exhibition’s title refers to Botticelli’s famous painting “The Birth of Venus,” a masterpiece from the 15th century when the Renaissance era was thriving in Florence and its adjacent regions.
The curatorial choices for the exhibition are reflected in a selection of pieces that celebrate those who identify beyond conventional gender norms and thrive in the unifying potency of art and aesthetics, thus bringing a new voice and perspective to Bodrum’s art scene.
Ekin Su Koç reimagines and emancipates female figures from well-known works of art history with her modern and provocative style. Ekin Su Koç’s contemporary approach reinterprets these time-honoured works to protest against and alter the objectification of the female form. Noteworthy pieces such as ‘Three Beauties for Themselves,’ ‘Only Two Beauties,’ ‘Rebirth of Venus,’ ‘Recreation of Adam,’ ‘Child with a Pearl Necklace,’ and ‘River Flowers Where Ophelia Didn’t Drown,’ challenge conventional perspectives and aesthetic norms with a touch of humour.
“The Rebirth of Venus” encompasses many Ekin Su Koç’s works, spanning various techniques and media, including paint on canvas, collage on paper, and epoxy on canvas. These pieces magnify the inherent beauty and diversity of the human body while defying binary gender stereotypes as well as limitations related to age and skin tone. Koç’s creations also delve into critical themes such as femininity, feminine creativity, and dismantling patriarchal structures.
