ARCHIVE:

Merve Şanlı

Hey there, Mörv here! The kind of work I have been involved in for a long time was not the kind of work that was written down (I even changed the structure of this piece while writing, sshh), so bear with me while I transfer my “zıp zıp” personality’s overview as I dedicate this piece to a month of full circle moments that follows the emergence of re-connections within self in the light of  “architecture” itself.

I am here with you today, having immersed myself in the diverse vibes of three distinct cities -Ankara, Istanbul, and London- where I went through 3 different personas (in-betweener, insider, outsider) all within the span of the last month. These collective experiences urged me to shape the pace of this month’s newsletter through an alternative lens. How we are delighted with the spatial experiences, how differently we can approach spaces and events and other elements that foster these experiences and how we thrive to search for them along the way.

To me, architecture is the silent storyteller that weaves emotions into spaces, crafting vivid memories and awakening the senses. It’s this passion that has fueled my creative journey and exploration of alternatives over the years. Originating from the heart of Ankara, embracing the vibrant energy of Istanbul for the past two years, and immersing myself in the dynamic aura of London for a recent two-week time off, I’ve come to notice one more time how architecture matters, and everything just kind of clicks into place effortlessly.

Ankara / December 8  – Let me introduce you to Sofar. Sofar transforms everyday spaces – like a rooftop or art gallery – and turns them into captivating, intimate venues for secret, live music performances, creating an immersive experience that brings guests and artists closer together. As a remote member of the Sofar Ankara team, the recent event at the French Embassy was a unique blend of space and music that stirred a range of emotions. Fortunately, Sofar vibes are not limited to Ankara; you can catch them igniting musical sparks in Istanbul, İzmir, and various cities around the globe. It’s more than just music; it’s the ultimate fusion of space and sound, a universal experience that connects us all.

İstanbul / December 19 – Back in Ankara, when I was practicing my profession there, I applied to GEMSS’21 (did not make the cut!). Fast forward to working at The Circle, and I was wrapping up that same project. The next thing you know,  I found myself  in charge of the exhibition of GEMSS’23 from start to finish. Being involved in an architectural exhibition project at different stages and times is incredibly enriching; it sheds light on the dynamics of participation, collaborative efforts and how they are perceived. Here, I have to add a HUGE sidenote.  Just before the exhibition, we hosted a solo guitar performance by Mert Pekduraner here at The Circle, where we integrated special light plays accompanying the performance. This inspired us to implement a similar approach to the GEMSS’23 accommodating specific light scenes to the exhibition. Another marvelous example of how music can inspire the setting of an atmosphere.

London / Last 2 weeks of December – My “architect” persona re-emerged in London, walking around and staring at the admirable harmony of the historical and innovative façades. There, I was an outsider searching for experiences. There, I was left with finding the ultimate places and activities to be in. There, it hit me one more time of the importance of up to date and correct information online for the visitors and the enthusiastic ones for daily trackings. Here, I would like to point out the methods that we seek to experience and be part of these events, exhibitions and venues. Coming across with the mobile app “Step” really did enhance this Flâneur vibe going on in which you can also find even more specific venues that connect friends and people you follow which offers an intimate and a friendlier quest while discovering the city (available in Turkey as well). And OMG TATE MODERN!!! I could spend my days there… What striked me the most was the Pipilotti Rist’s Lungenflügel part of the Performer and Participant display. Her dream-like spaces and larger-than-life images pulled me in, as the psychedelic soundtrack played in the background as I lay down on the carpet floor, blending seamlessly with the space. It was more than an experience; I became one with the art.

All in all, thank you for sticking to the end of my accidental personal essay to you. All of these got me thinking, returning back to Istanbul, on how these “experiences” really did shape today’s Mörv. That’s why as for the “new” selected events, I gravitated on the spatial experiences through little hints as and by the music, trying to provide an alternative aspect to the events you are longing for. They are a bit mixed, like me.

A narrative-concert by Çağlar Fidan, Erhan Bayram, Nikos Papageorgiou accompanied a former exhibition in Salt Galata –  No Further Records: Reşad Ekrem Koçu and Istanbul Encyclopedia Archive. Luckily this performance evolved into a series of performances even after the exhibition is finished that you can be a part of in Kumbaracı50 on January 20th.

Walking from Istiklal Street towards Tünel, Casa Botter always drew my attention with the fairytale design of its facade. There it striked me: neyzen, composer, producer and DJ Mercan Dede’s solo exhibition You were born with Potentials– a selection of his 30 years of visual art works- . What can be a better exhibition proposal of coming across with a musician inside in an amazing architectural section.

All right, wrapping it up here.

PS: I strongly urge you to circle back to our previous editors’ choices for the ongoing events and exhibitions as well.  Plus, on a personal note please do not miss out: GEMSS’23 will be accompanied by various side events such as physical and online talks, studio visits, and workshops throughout January and February.