Lowest of The Low

Burak Dak

13 October - 12 November 2022

Burak Dak’s first solo exhibition at x-ist Lowest of the Low brings together his works that develop over a grotesque narrative and puts forth a question on empathy and curiosity, the two fundamental characteristics of being human. Considering how people turn to spiritualism at every encounter with a problem, both because how dogmatic pressure has been striving to destroy this sense of curiosity and the effort of traditional status quo to continue, the artist creates metaphorical narratives in which a myriad of images come together to give life to a new form.

 

The narrative Lowest of The Low which lends its name to the exhibition and is known as Esfeli Safilin in Arabic, expresses both the seventh and last circle of hell and the definition of “infidel.” Through his works, Dak takes the audience to an imaginary place and aims to show them a different reality regarding the sovereignty of mysterious and uncanny forces. The artist defines uncanniness around political and religious powers as well as traditional monarchy and pageantry, offering a new way to look at reality based on myths and folklore.

 

Burak Dak creates a new metaphorical language by utilizing pencil, acrylic, gouache, pastel powder, and dry paint on paper at his exhibition Lowest of The Low which can be visited at x-ist between October 13 and November 12.

Derby in June 1913

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper; 35 x 45 cm

Severed Horse Head

Pencil on paper 35 x 25 cm

Dino

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 35 x 25 cm

Red Man

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 35 X 25 cm

Chick

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 100 x 70 cm

Dessert

Pencil on paper 35 x 25 cm

Meat Market

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 35 x 50 cm

Afreet

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper

Clipped Wing

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 35 x 25 cm

Blackfly Stew

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 44 x 28 cm

Gripper Head

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 50 x 58 cm

Queen of Colony

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 100 x 39 cm

Beer Bottles in the Tulip Garden

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 50 x 35 cm

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 35 x 25 cm

Pan

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 50 x 62 cm

Turban

Pencil, gouache, soft pastel and colored pencil on paper 35 x 25 cm

Terror Bird

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 100 x 70 cm

Lord of the Testicle

Pencil, and gouache on paper 35 x 25 cm

Alligator

Pencil, gouache, and colored pencil on paper 18 x 35 cm