The exhibit featured my recent works representing the theme of borderline. The opening night was great fun. I hope everyone enjoyed the night as much as I did.
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| Girl with skull - Mertim Gokalp |
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| I need warmth - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Red Balloon - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Separation - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Scratch - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Occupy - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Out of blue - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Red Carnation - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Transient (Blue Version) - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Wine & Spaghetti - Mertim Gokalp |
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| Hard-wired - Mertim Gokalp |
Borderline: A pervasive pattern of instability of
interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked
impulsivity that begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety
of contexts
From Judith Johnson's opening speech at the opening night:
I have been asked to speak tonight as Mertimʼs friend
from our Studio 1+2 Rozelle. Thank you all for coming to his special
night. I consider this an honour and a privilege to welcome you to
Borderline. You may have had time to browse around, considering his
paintings which can be seen as strong, challenging,emotional and thought
provoking. His theme is Borderline Personality Disorder, a significant
mental health condition. It's a pervasive pattern of instability in
interpersonal relationships and self image.Marked impulsive behaviours
begin in early adulthood and itʼs present in a variety of contexts.
The artist takes a critical view of social, political
and cultural issues.These works focus on psychological struggles of
contemporary women, inspired by their responses to particular objects.
It's a subject perfect for Mertim as he feels a very strong bond of
empathy for sufferers,he has an understanding. The works are both
arresting and yet poignant. Who are these girls ?
Mertim always conveys a strong narrative in his
paintings, because he wants to capture deep emotions and the painful
struggles therein. To me, these beautiful yet fragile women are the
modern symbols of Psyche, the Greek Goddess of the Soul.
She was the mythical embodiment of the soul, purified by passions and
misfortunes. She was thus prepared for the enjoyment of true and pure
happiness. This may be drawing a long bow, but I do know that the soul,
and the spirit, and the mind are all highly, personally significant for
Mertim. References of the ʻpsycheʼ first from Plato ,through the Middle
Ages (where it was known as ʻAnimaʼ) to Freud and Jung.... are today in
modern cognitive psychology simplified to one word the MIND.
While he is painting these portraits, Mertim responds
to ʻintense emotion,impulsive behaviours, instabilityʼ as he encourages
them ʻto show their deepest feelings which may reflect fear, anger,
desire or passionʼ Consequently, the portraits are darkly mysterious,
enigmatic and puzzling. They seem suggestive of some other story,some
other dimension. The wistful eyes or the steady gaze demand your
attention. On a lighter note, may I say that we see here, incredible
draughtsmanship and exceptional skills in painting practice. (An
indication of his classical training at University in Istanbul.)
And so...Caravaggio, Rembrandt and Velazquez ( his
ʻpin-upsʼ.. amongst many others!) would surely sit up and take note !!
here is a prodigious talent. Being a finalist this year in the
Archibald, is not the first significant award but is the latest ...and
we expect many successes yet to come.
Judith Johnson
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