About
Born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1997, Deniz Demirer is a multidisciplinary artist and art project manager.
She grew up in a family of artists, in particular with her great-grandfather Ferruh Başağa who was a famous Turkish abstract painter and a stained glass and mosaic artist. She spent a lot of time in his studio where she started painting. After graduating from the Lycée privé français Saint-Joseph in Istanbul, she decided to continue her studies in Paris, France.
She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's 1 in visual arts from the University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne. She works on exploring the complex relationship between the physical body and its environment, understanding how experiences and identity shape its manifestation and influence our interactions. In addition, she focuses on issues such as sexual abuse, the objectification of women's bodies and the promotion of resilience for a more equitable and respectful society.
She recently finished her research about Feminist Art in Turkey & Istanbul Convention as part of the Master 2 International MAVI - Master in Arts & Vision at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
She has worked as an artist assistant to renowned artists Latifa Echakhch, Yonamine, and Young Jun Tak during the 15th Istanbul Biennial titled "A Good Neighbor," curated by the Danish-Norwegian artist duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset. This experience provided her with the opportunity to witness and actively participate in the creative, construction, and production processes of their respective art pieces, namely "Crowd Fade," "Les Collages," and "The Silence and Eloquence of Objects."
At the Pera Museum, she worked as the primary researcher for an upcoming exhibition that brought together all the diverse periods of the visual universe of acclaimed filmmaker Sergei Parajanov, the master of poetic cinema, in an exhibition titled "Sergei Parajanov with Sarkis," presented in multiple languages. Additionally, she collaborated with artist Sarkis on curatorial and scenographic aspects of the exhibition.
Furthermore, she acts as the liaison based in Paris for the documentary series "BENIM SANATIM (My Art)" on Turkish artists, produced for the Turkish television channel NTV. She handles all the logistical arrangements for filming artists living and working in Paris, including prominent figures such as Mehmet Güleryüz, Sarkis, and Alev Ebüzziya.
Between the years 2019 and 2022, she has held the position of Head of Art Projects at Ellia Art Gallery, a French gallery specializing in street art. In this role, she has been responsible for managing and producing all artistic projects and art fairs, collaborating with street artists on project design, coordinating teams, and developing communication strategies for related events.
During her research year at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, she was the project coordinator and the assistant curator at Sorbonne ArtGallery with her research director, Professor Yann Toma.
STATEMENT
The physical body is a complex entity that exists in relation to its environment. It is the physical manifestation of a person's identity and experiences, and plays a central role in how we interact with the world around us. However, the relationship between the physical body and its environment is not always a positive one, particularly when it comes to issues such as sexual abuse, the objectification of women's bodies and resilience.
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience that can have profound effects on a person's physical and psychological well-being. It is a violation of a person's bodily autonomy, which can leave lasting scars on the body and mind. Sexual abuse often takes place in a context where the victim feels powerless and helpless, which can have a lasting impact on her self-esteem.
The objectification of women's bodies is another issue that highlights the complex relationship between the physical body and its environment. Women's bodies are often seen as objects to be consumed, rather than as complex entities with their own autonomy. This objectification can lead to a range of negative consequences, including body shame, eating disorders and a host of other mental health problems.
Despite these challenges, the physical body is also a place of resilience and resistance. It can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression, as well as a means of challenging oppressive systems and structures. This resilience can take many forms, from the physical strength needed to endure and survive abuse to the creative expression of one's own identity through fashion, art or other forms of expression.
Ultimately, the significance of the physical body in relation to its environment is complex and multifaceted. It can be a source of pleasure and pain, power and vulnerability. However, by recognizing and addressing the ways in which systems of oppression can impact on the physical body, we can work towards the creation of a more just and equitable society where all bodies are valued and respected. By cultivating resilience and resistance, we can use our bodies as tools for healing, self-expression and social change.
PROJECTS
