Untitled

Incorporating in his practice references to the political, cultural and social fabric of the region where he was born and raised, Cengiz Tekin employs a wide landscape including domestic and public spaces, urban environment and nature both as his ‘studio’ and the scenery of his work. Particularly in his early works, the artist often uses humour as a tool to venture into themes of pressure, being stuck, concealment, fear and resistance; all of which are commonplace in the conflicting course of daily life. In his five-piece photograph "Untitled", a figure blends into stacks of colourful quilts, blankets, and pillows with traditional motifs. The bedding, which would normally be expected to invite the body to a warm, peaceful slumber, turns into a heavy burden to bear as the artist hides and mingles amongst its riot of colours like an anonymous figure. The childlike joy of playing a game of hide-and-seek is camouflaged by a sense of pressure and being stuck that permeates the home and daily life.