The Parting Site

See Yasemin Kackar-Demirel’s work in WTP Vol. V #8

mixed media on paper
26″ x 20″

One usually takes comfort in feeling grounded in this world. In my paintings and drawings, I reflect on the notion of groundedness in physical space with the intention of deconstructing it. I like to explore the physicality of space and its emotional reverberations. I am particularly interested in the feeling of getting lost and losing oneself in a place. I aim to reflect these feelings in my works via the ebb and flow between fragmenting and reconnecting.

The layered juxtapositions of manmade and organic structures are among my continuous source of inspiration. Such juxtapositions also represent the push-pull effects between feelings of longing vs. apathy, insecurity vs. comfort, order vs. chaos, unfamiliarity vs. belonging and stability vs. ephemerality. With my technique, these opposing elements are merged in an unexpected manner. Similar to the process of mental mapping, this merging creates a hybrid spatial experience that grants me new  possibilities stripped of any preconceived identity whereby I find myself in total conformity.” —Yasemin Kackar-Demirel