Kare Kök / Square Root

Although the paintings in the ‘Square Root’ exhibition are created with a formal and patterned
understanding, they question living spaces and layers of meaning within the context of subjective reality
through square compositions. These layers invite us to reflect on our essence through the transitions between them. The square shape, as a formal
and value-laden figure, carries multi-layered meanings. Through this shape, we question not only form, but also ourselves, that is, our essence.
Where are we in the square, an area of equal length and width? Are we inside, outside? Are we a point, a bracket, the whole, or a ‘was’?

So, where are we in a square, an area of equal length and width?
Are we inside or outside? Are we a point, a bracket, a total, or ‘as if’? What is our set of values, and within which intersection set are we?
These questions direct us to different layers of the concept of essence. What is the essence?
Is it soil, mud, the dried-up truth in our umbilical cord? Is it the body, the soul,
our parents? Is it art, culture, knowledge, sociality,individuality? Is it the grave, the home, love?

The ‘Square Root’ exhibition presents a cross-section of the layers of essence with each square composition.
While presenting these cross-sections related to essence, it defines our boundaries through the square area.
These boundaries mark the boundaries between us and other essences.
These are the boundaries that enable harmony to prevail over chaos. This is important in terms of our internal order and integrity regarding our essence.                                                                 Within this context of order and integrity, the joy of discovering our essence within a square space is left to the viewer.

Because sometimes, the simplest form conceals the deepest essence.

Fatma Garip