I AM NO BUTTERFLY

The starting point is the poem of the same name by Sinem Vardar. It explores the human desire to be seen with love and tenderness despite guilt, violence and destruction – and the longing to be able to look on innocently, like a butterfly, whilst remaining bound to human existence.

On a large canvas lying on the floor, Vardar paints with her hands, working with ink, water and objects. Her painting process is driven by impulse and instinct and unfolds within a fundamental choreography and symbolism rooted in the poem and in her painting method, which she describes as ‘abstract animistic expressionism’. In doing so, she continuously transforms the image without following a predictable sequence, whilst remaining in dialogue with the music. Calm, concentrated movements contrast with violent, powerful intensity.

Cevat Barış Yılmaz performs an atmospheric, post-rock-inspired set that musically interprets Vardar’s poem whilst simultaneously reacting directly to what is happening on the canvas – using electric guitar, loop pedals and electronic sounds.

Both artists work with what is happening in the moment, allowing emotional intensity to emerge, build up, erupt, transform and flow through the space.