23k gold, chocolate wrapper, graphite, inkjet print and oil on linenFranz Kaka
Description
Human-crafted. AI-refined.
This vibrant contemporary artwork features a playful composition of contrasting elements. The canvas is dominated by a warm yellow and orange color palette, punctuated by whimsical floral shapes and patterns. The central element is a circular motif with the German word "Spät Kauf" (Late Purchase), surrounded by smaller framed sections depicting floral designs. The artist employs a mix of painting, collage, and textural techniques to create a visually engaging and surreal landscape. The piece appears to comment on themes of consumerism and the passage of time, inviting the viewer to consider the artist's unique perspective. ...
Elif Saydam creates alluring, multi-layered canvases which host elements of both ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture. Saydam begins each piece by collecting materials and photographs gathered in both public and private space. An image of a municipal building for example might act as an atmospheric layer for the artist to build upon. The detritus of our daily lives such as chocolate wrappers or cigarette papers are then embedded with highly valued materials such as 23-carat gold and oil paints, creating tableaux which lay bare the biases and privileges which govern late capitalist society. Each piece is laden with religious symbols, gestural markings and art historical references. Drawing on their own Turkish heritage, the artist cites the influence of miniature Ottoman painting in particular as a crucial aesthetic pull. In Saydam’s own words, they are interested in ‘weaponizing the decorative’. They’re eager to unpack why illustrious, grand details within classical painting are culturally revered for example, whilst ornate packaging on sweets is considered tacky or kitsch. With an interest in uncovering the construction of beauty, Saydam creates sensorially rich works which urge viewers to reconsider their own understandings of beauty. ...
