Pera Museum, on its 20th anniversary, is hosting the first solo exhibition of the artist Marcel Dzama in Turkey. The exhibition titled “Marcel Dzama: Dancing with Moonlight – With a Little Help from His Friend Raymond Pettibon,” brings together Dzama’s works in visual arts, film, and sculpture, inviting the audience on a captivating journey.
Curated by Alistair Hicks, the exhibition sheds light on Dzama’s artistic practice, which is multi-layered and interdisciplinary. His works combine elements from popular culture and current politics, offering a humorous narrative that delves into rich art history and universal issues from world history.
The exhibition explores three main themes prevalent in Dzama’s art practice: criticism of bad governance, environmental destruction, and disasters caused by war. Dzama’s artistic language not only critiques political collapses and authoritarian structures but also emphasizes the evolving nature of art and its inclusive structure. The collaboration with Pettibon showcases Dzama’s interest in collective creative processes.
Dzama’s works highlight the thin line between game and war, using the chessboard as a metaphor for political power and social order. Through his videos, Dzama emphasizes the intellectual necessity for artists to view society and develop a strategic approach. His pieces question the impact of authoritarian regimes on artists and explore how populist leaders manipulate the masses.
The exhibition, which will be open until August 17, at Pera Museum, presents Dzama’s philosophy integrated into his artistic practice, reflecting on the chaotic effects of war and the manipulation of the public by leaders. This exhibition is an essential opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with Dzama’s profound and thought-provoking works.
