In the past, Ebru Uygun was performing only the act of painting itself, but today she works with four swathes of canvas, which are painted and then deconstructed by hand. The artist tears the painted material into strips, a performance that becomes physically demanding, for once she begins she cannot stop. In what may be considered a cathartic action, she can spend an entire day tearing strips for one painting. One can easily imagine her working with unfettered abandon, relieved from any rules or structures of traditional painting practice. Uygun also archives the sound of this performance, recording all the audio activity at the studio, from the violent act of tearing of canvas to the heavy breathing of her toil.
Ebru Uygun (b. 1974, Istanbul) attended the Kingston University’s Department of Art and Design, and got a BA degree from the Department of Illustration at the University of Brighton. Some of the artist’s solo and group exhibitions are as follows: Complicité, Dirimart, Istanbul (2002); Things, C.A.M Gallery, Istanbul (2003); Breath, Mac Art Gallery, Istanbul (2005); Trace, Mac Art Gallery, Istanbul (2006); Dirimart Presents, Dirimart, Istanbul (2009); Time For a Dream, Dirimart, Istanbul (2009); Istanbul Cool: Turkish Contemporary Art at Close Proximity, New York (2010); Confessions of Dangerous Minds, Saatchi Gallery, London (2011); Lucid Dreaming, Green Art Gallery, Dubai (2011); In Time and Rhythm, Dirimart, Istanbul (2012); Past and Present, Istanbul Modern (2013); Hot Spot Istanbul, Haus Konstruktiv, Zurich (2013); Inside, Yallay Gallery, Hong Kong (2013); Random Process, Dirimart Nişantaşı, Istanbul (2016); and Surface and Beyond, Dirimart Dolapdere, Istanbul (2016). Ebru Uygun lives and works in Istanbul.

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