HOW TO DESTROY AN ARTWORK

How to Destroy an Artwork
2021, 2’25, 4K video, sound, 3 Ed. + 1 A.P

The video performance work ‘How To Destroy an Artwork’ (2021) takes roots in Gözde Mimiko Türkkan’s decision to destroy her old photography editions exhibited in various art institutions over the years. Facilitated by their reproducible nature, it is not unheard of that photography editions may be destroyed and reproduced in case of damage during their life cycle which consists of exhibiting, transporting, storing. However this cycle, which lasted more than ten years in regards to the editions seen in ‘How To Destroy an Artwork’, triggered a desire for self confrontation. The artist smashes, hammers and kicks her own photography editions on different occasions and she invites an audience to watch some of the performances. On one hand this act of destruction frees up physical and mental space; on the other it creates a relieving effect as much as it contains violence. This work which was initiated a few months prior to the coronavirus pandemic, turns into a catharsis as the frustration caused by the pandemic itself creeps in.

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