MAJAZ

BLOK art space is proud to host Iranian artist Sahand Hesamiyan’s first project exhibition in Istanbul. In his newest exhibition, MAJAZ, Hesamiyan collaborates with Buşra Tunç in an installation designed for BLOK art space’s project venue at Büyük Valide Han no. 53. Under the exhibition, Hesamiyan will simultaneously exhibit works inspired by the installation’s creation process, details, and plans, in BLOK art space’s Çukurcuma venue. Meaning ‘unreal’ in Farsi, Majaz allows the artist to connect these two venues together, while aiming at striking a balance between the unknown and metaphorical, and the visible and experienceable. Emphasizing the geometric nature of Islamic architecture, Hesamiyan will interpret the architectural transformation of Büyük Valide Han through light, and create a space of experience for the visitors. Concurrently pointing to the way in which light has been used as an element of ornament in Islamic architecture, the artist will create an installation that represents muqarnas, the traditional geometrical architectural ornament, while allowing for a research and creative collaboration with Büşra Tunç through the installation’s details on shade, light, and form. Majaz project exhibition will be open to visitors from September 15 to November 30, at BLOK art space’s Çukurcuma and Büyük Valide Han venues.

“In Farsi, Majaz translates into both unreal and metaphorical; it refers to an unexplainable sensation—one that can be felt while entering the Buyuk Valide Han space. A real experience of an invisible element. As I stepped into this space, I was immediately captivated by the light filtering through the windows. It created a fascinating dynamic effect inside. Masterful application of light apart from illuminating interior augments spatial quality—a duality that has always been present in Islamic architecture. Nour (light) in Islamic architecture is an ornament itself. With the use of architectural elements, the invisible light from outside metamorphoses into a magical and vivid tangible experience indoors. I have tried to utilize light as architecture and enhance the characteristics of the room. Eponymous of the exhibition, the sculpture on display employs traditional forms of muqarnas (honeycombed architectural ornaments) that toy with luminescence. Exempting from large-scale structural attempts to involve the entire space, Majaz creates a novo culminating space. It refers to a superior and complete world, a utopia.”

Sahand Hesamiyan