In her works, Başak Bugay explores ways to represent the relationship between the psychic constructions of the subject and the collective unconscious. Using a wide range of material and an ironic discourse, she puts forth themes like childhood traumas, denial and defense mechanisms, and sleep/death. Taking her relationship with material and process as organic, Bugay’s production process is shaped through the use of materials of fabric, ber, plaster, and terracotta. Cut o from the outside world, isolated, confined to their own space the figures in their privacy do not directly interact with the audience. These figures are tough and distant and at once peaceful and familiar. Bugay lets the audience figure out the hidden elements trapped in these spaces of privacy, breach into their secrecy and complete their un- canny and hidden stories. Although seeming safe and warm, the environments and figures in her works contain the possibility of an attack.
Visual artist born in Istanbul, 1979. Bugay graduated from Department of Painting in 2002, obtained her Phd in 2019 both at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Art. Lives and works in Beyoğlu, Istanbul.
Solo exhibitions
2022 “Füg / Fugue”, Zilberman Gallery, Istanbul
2018 “Saklanmak keyiftir / It’s a joy to be hidden”, Milli Reasürans Art Gallery, Istanbul
2015 “Bebe / Doll”, in the studio of the artist, Istanbul
2010 “Denge / Balance”, Ziraat Bank Art Gallery, Istanbul
Selected group shows
2022 “Rounded by Sleep”, curator: Eda Berkmen, Arter, Istanbul
2021 “Karşı Pencere”, curator: Melike Bayık, KOLİ Art Space, Istanbul
2021 “Unlock”, Zilberman Gallery, Istanbul
2019 “Dancing Into One”, organized by March Art Project, Yuvakimyon Rum Kız Lisesi, Istanbul
2018 “The Big Picture”, organized by Amnesty International, DEPO, Istanbul
“Otelde Bir Gün / A Day at Hotel”, Zilberman Gallery, Istanbul
“The Cut and The Pit”, Unique Gallery, Istanbul
2015 “Bu Benim de Aklıma Gelmişti”, Kargart, Istanbul
2012 “Zaman Aşımı / Statutory Limitation”, Karşı Sanat – Ada Sanat, Istanbul
2012 “Hayvan / Animal”, Tophane-i Amire-Tekkubbe, Istanbul
2011 “Diyarbakır Hapishanesi Ne Yana Düşer / Where is Diyarbakır Prison”, Karşı Sanat Galerisi, Istanbul
2011 “Öyle mi? / Is-it?”, Tophane-i Amire -Tekkubbe, Istanbul
2010 “Figüratif / Figurative”, Alanistanbul Tünel, Istanbul
2010 Artist 2010, İpek-Ahmet Merey Collectioners Honourable Reward Exhibition, Istanbul
2010 “Yüzyılın Sergisi / Exhibition of the Century”, Ziraat Bank Collection, Cer Modern, Ankara
2010 “Genç Ustalar, Usta Gençler / Young Masters”, Rh+ Art Magazine, MKM, Istanbul
2009 Artist 2009, 216 Düşünce ve Üretim Alanı, 19. Istanbul Art Fair, TÜYAP, İstanbul
2009 “Memory Book: Hasanpaşa”, 216 Düşünce ve Üretim Alanı Group Exhibition, Istanbul
2009 “Memory Book: Moda”, 216 Düşünce ve Üretim Alanı Group Exhibition, Istanbul
2008 “Metropol”, Selçuk Yaşar Art Gallery, Izmir