ArtHan Gallery, located in the historic Kurşunlu Han in Karaköy, Istanbul, presents Martini Effect, a solo exhibition by Seden Erşen. Curated by Nuray Özler Yolcu, the exhibition will be on view from April 4 to April 25, 2026.
The exhibition takes its title from the so-called “Martini Effect,” a term used to describe the altered perception experienced by divers in deep waters, where increasing pressure affects cognition. It is often said that after 30 meters, every additional 10 meters has the effect of drinking a glass of martini. As depth increases and reality acquires a different intensity, this phenomenon is reinterpreted in the exhibition as a metaphor for an inner journey through the layered structure of human consciousness.
The exhibition explores the stratified nature of the mind, examining the relationship between surface-level thoughts and the emotions, memories, and inner tensions that lie beneath.
Produced through Erşen’s distinctive technique, the works invite viewers into an immersive perceptual experience through translucent layers and vibrant color transitions. The superimposed transparent structures create a constantly shifting visual effect through light and environmental reflections.
This approach transforms the works from static images into dynamic experiential fields that evolve alongside the viewer. The jellyfish-like forms, organic structures resembling neural networks, and color fields evoking cosmic explosions point to the fluid, fragile, and transformative nature of human psychology. These seemingly calm forms, much like the unconscious, hold an unexpected intensity beneath their surface.
Set within the architectural context of Kurşunlu Han, Martini Effect at ArtHan Gallery not only invites viewers to engage with the works, but also opens up a space to reflect on the shifting layers of consciousness, where boundaries lose their clarity.
