Cengiz Yatagan
Turkey
http://www.cengizyatagan.com/en/
From the past to the present, we are witnessing the disappearance of man, who is confused in the fluidity of the modern age, in search of perfection on the planet. KİNTSUGİ is a golden healing tradition that makes precious the fragmentation of wholeness that has grown in the heart of WABİSABİ, which is accepted as the permanent beauty within the existence of defect among the philosophies of the Far East, perhaps it is the transformation of a healing method into art.
While symbolizing rebirth, it defends the infinite beauty in imperfections and reveals the infinite beauty hidden in them when the broken pieces touch each other. In fact, it can be said that a miraculous simplicity that turns human disappointments into satisfaction found spirit in ancient Japanese philosophy. KİNTSUGİ makes it right to believe that life, which is valued with the traces of fragmentation, is beautiful with all its flaws while the broken parts are repaired. This art, which is as aesthetic as it is minimalist, has obviously been trying to tell people a lot for centuries.
If life is to be completion from the deficient, gaining strength from difficulties, then instead of looking for perfection in life, accept life with its flaws so that, through your broken pieces, healed with an ointment of gold or silver, you may bestow yourself the chance to witness a the most colorful rebirth.
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1. What’s your background?
I was born in 1968. I finished my education in Istanbul before moving to Australia, where I was involved in businesses for two years. I have worked in architecture, construction and IT sectors. After specializing in renovation of historic buildings, I focused on arts.
I live and work in Istanbul.
2. What does your work aim to say?
In the very beginning, a human life was a picture divided into thousands of pieces. First, man comprehended what to build with these pieces; then tried to settle each of the pieces while contemplating the beauty of the landscape.
He embarked on science and philosophy, and researched history. Although the pieces were placed correctly, the center of the landscape always remained empty. Then, he pursued the mysterious missing piece. And while seeking that piece, ultimately realized that his puzzle was actually a single piece of a much larger one...
As man’s ‘pursuit of meaning’ continues, the missing piece of the puzzle will always bear a mystery. Just like art and love. And when man comprehends that the area occupied by ‘a single piece’ in that enormous puzzle is in and of itself a work of art, he will only strive to beautify it.
With hope that everyone shall find the missing piece of their puzzle...
3. How does your work comment on current social or political issues?
Currently we are living in a synthetic world where most people had lost the connection with the nature. Equivalently, there is a thirst for understanding the soul and it’s vitality. So this unfolds a remarkable juncture among people’s research about being themselves.
4. Who are your biggest influences?
Life itself...
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5. How has your art evolved over the years?
Nature can take various different adjactives. There are no limits when nature is the subject. I really appreciate the nature and observe it’s continuous or even endless ways to just be and spread out. This is the core motivation of my artwork. I don’t push the limits of the materials I use. I make the touches and let it flow. It flows in a flawless way with a highly satisfying end.
In every new artwork that I work on, I feel renewed so does my art.
6. What does art mean to you?
I have my own way to express the reflections of my soul by creativity.For me art is a reflection of the mother earth.It's beyond the limits and flows in its own way.
7. What’s the most valuable piece of art to you?
Human
8. What’s next for you in the future?
As an artist and a person who is in a continuing journey of self-improvement, I am thrilled to see myself while creating,creating,creating...
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