
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Welcome to the Cannes Film Festival, where stars collide as the latest and greatest films are screened for a week. There’s a lot to discuss this year, whether it be jaw-dropping red carpet looks, heartwarming moments, or films that will grace the industry for years to come. While we cannot be in the French Riviera this time, Based Istanbul has our eyes peeled on the best coming out of Cannes this week – we’ve been taking notes, and here are our favorites so far.&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Based’s Favorite Moments</strong></p>



<p>Kering began their Women in Motion program in 2015, aiming to support women in the cinema, art, and music industries. This year, Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Women in Motion award, a heart-warming moment after Yeoh won the best actress Oscar for her role in <em>Everything Everywhere All at Once</em>. Yeoh was the first Asian woman to win the category, and the Women in Motion award by Kering is another testament to her devotion to making change in the industry. &nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-4">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="960" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/e390227e5fc5f20612d9e5ccf3e3beeb.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56784" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/e390227e5fc5f20612d9e5ccf3e3beeb.jpeg 640w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/e390227e5fc5f20612d9e5ccf3e3beeb-360x540.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/e390227e5fc5f20612d9e5ccf3e3beeb-16x24.jpeg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p>Lily Gladstone has been this year’s talk of the town. Rightly so, after her starring role in <em>Killers of the Flower Moon</em>, which recieved a 9-minute standing ovation this year. The film, which also stars Leonardo di Caprio and Robert De Niro, has largely been seen as this year’s most anticipated film. Lily Gladstone is showing everyone at Cannes the importance of Native American representation and is bringing this energy out into the world – she is currently filming the Hulu series <em>Under the Bridge </em>in Vancouver.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-8">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="730" height="450" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tmb_730x450_lily-1-cannes-23may23-0001.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-56785" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tmb_730x450_lily-1-cannes-23may23-0001.webp 730w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tmb_730x450_lily-1-cannes-23may23-0001-360x222.webp 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tmb_730x450_lily-1-cannes-23may23-0001-680x419.webp 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/tmb_730x450_lily-1-cannes-23may23-0001-16x10.webp 16w" sizes="(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p>Natalie Portman hosted this year’s annual Chopard Trophee, bestowing the Trophee, celebrating emerging rising star actors, onto <em>I Wanna Dance With Somebody</em> star Naomi Ackie and <em>Good Luck to You, Leo Grande</em> actor Daryl McCormack. Much of the festival jury was in the room to celebrate the occasion, among other big names, to hopefully promote the two rising stars to future opportunities.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-12">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1491569671.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-56786" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1491569671.webp 683w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1491569671-360x540.webp 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1491569671-680x1020.webp 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1491569671-16x24.webp 16w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p>No list would be complete without mentioning the emotional standing ovation at the premier of <em>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny</em>, an ovation that lasted well over 5 minutes. This is likely the last time the iconic Harrison Ford will play Indiana Jones, making the film’s release even more monumental.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-16">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="577" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indiana-Jones-Cast-Crew-Cannes-GettyImages-1255888850-H-2023-1024x577.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-56787" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indiana-Jones-Cast-Crew-Cannes-GettyImages-1255888850-H-2023-1024x577.webp 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indiana-Jones-Cast-Crew-Cannes-GettyImages-1255888850-H-2023-360x203.webp 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indiana-Jones-Cast-Crew-Cannes-GettyImages-1255888850-H-2023-680x383.webp 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indiana-Jones-Cast-Crew-Cannes-GettyImages-1255888850-H-2023-16x9.webp 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indiana-Jones-Cast-Crew-Cannes-GettyImages-1255888850-H-2023-1200x676.webp 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Indiana-Jones-Cast-Crew-Cannes-GettyImages-1255888850-H-2023.webp 1296w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>Based’s Favorite Films</strong></p>



<p><strong>Asteroid City (dir. Wes Anderson)</strong></p>



<p>While the Wes Anderson aesthetic trend is blowing up on TikTok and Instagram, legendary producer and director Wes Anderson’s film <em>Asteroid City </em>is one of the stand-outs of this week. The film is set in 1955, telling the story of a group of parents and students from across America gathering in the desert town of Asteriod City. The cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Bryan Cranston.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-18">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="480" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-film-.format-webp.width-2880_UnmUZ44H8xVDSu3X-1024x480.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-56788" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-film-.format-webp.width-2880_UnmUZ44H8xVDSu3X-1024x480.webp 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-film-.format-webp.width-2880_UnmUZ44H8xVDSu3X-360x169.webp 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-film-.format-webp.width-2880_UnmUZ44H8xVDSu3X-680x319.webp 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-film-.format-webp.width-2880_UnmUZ44H8xVDSu3X-1536x721.webp 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-film-.format-webp.width-2880_UnmUZ44H8xVDSu3X-2048x961.webp 2048w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-film-.format-webp.width-2880_UnmUZ44H8xVDSu3X-16x8.webp 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-film-.format-webp.width-2880_UnmUZ44H8xVDSu3X-1200x563.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Banel &amp; Adama</strong> <strong>(dir. Ramata-Toulaye Sy)</strong></p>



<p>Banel &amp; Adama, directed by Ramata-Toulaye Sy, emotionally conveys the complexities and tensions within love and tradition. A story of loving destiny between young adults Banel and Adama, Sy’s African diasporic voice comes through strongly in the film, making a needed mark on representation at Cannes. </p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-20">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="616" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banel-Adama-1024x616.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56790" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banel-Adama-1024x616.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banel-Adama-360x217.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banel-Adama-680x409.jpeg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banel-Adama-1536x925.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banel-Adama-2048x1233.jpeg 2048w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banel-Adama-16x10.jpeg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banel-Adama-1200x722.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Monster (dir. Hirokazu Koree-eda)</strong></p>



<p><em>Monster</em>, directed by Japanese director Hirokazu Koree-eda, is a film about a mother’s journey to find the truth about her son and his school. Widely talked about this year, the film conveys a rare quality of everyday tenderness, creating a poetic visual experience that many see as both a deviation from, and strengthening of, Koree-eda’s core principles.  </p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-22">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="469" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/monster-1024x469.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56789" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/monster-1024x469.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/monster-360x165.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/monster-680x312.jpeg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/monster-16x7.jpeg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/monster-1200x550.jpeg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/monster.jpeg 1490w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Based’s Favorite Red Carpet Looks</strong></p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-25">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1492064372-1024x1536.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-56791" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1492064372-1024x1536.webp 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1492064372-360x540.webp 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1492064372-680x1020.webp 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1492064372-1365x2048.webp 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1492064372-16x24.webp 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1492064372-1200x1800.webp 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GettyImages-1492064372-scaled.webp 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Irina Shayk in <strong>Mowalola</strong></figcaption></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="980" height="1470" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gettyimages-1492116236-646b70da2da1d.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56792" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gettyimages-1492116236-646b70da2da1d.jpeg 980w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gettyimages-1492116236-646b70da2da1d-360x540.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gettyimages-1492116236-646b70da2da1d-680x1020.jpeg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gettyimages-1492116236-646b70da2da1d-16x24.jpeg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Julia Fox</figcaption></figure>
</div>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-28">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="980" height="1470" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/salma-hayek-attends-the-killers-of-the-flower-moon-red-news-photo-1684610826.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56793" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/salma-hayek-attends-the-killers-of-the-flower-moon-red-news-photo-1684610826.jpeg 980w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/salma-hayek-attends-the-killers-of-the-flower-moon-red-news-photo-1684610826-360x540.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/salma-hayek-attends-the-killers-of-the-flower-moon-red-news-photo-1684610826-680x1020.jpeg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/salma-hayek-attends-the-killers-of-the-flower-moon-red-news-photo-1684610826-16x24.jpeg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Salma Hayek in <strong>Alexander McQueen</strong></figcaption></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1125" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Aja-Naomi-King-Wore-Gaurav-Gupta-Couture-To-The-‘Indiana-Jones-and-the-Dial-of-Destiny-Cannes-Film-Festival-Premiere.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56794" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Aja-Naomi-King-Wore-Gaurav-Gupta-Couture-To-The-‘Indiana-Jones-and-the-Dial-of-Destiny-Cannes-Film-Festival-Premiere.jpeg 750w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Aja-Naomi-King-Wore-Gaurav-Gupta-Couture-To-The-‘Indiana-Jones-and-the-Dial-of-Destiny-Cannes-Film-Festival-Premiere-360x540.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Aja-Naomi-King-Wore-Gaurav-Gupta-Couture-To-The-‘Indiana-Jones-and-the-Dial-of-Destiny-Cannes-Film-Festival-Premiere-680x1020.jpeg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Aja-Naomi-King-Wore-Gaurav-Gupta-Couture-To-The-‘Indiana-Jones-and-the-Dial-of-Destiny-Cannes-Film-Festival-Premiere-16x24.jpeg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aja Naomi King in <strong>Gaurav Gupta Couture</strong></figcaption></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p class="has-text-align-right"><em>Image Credits: Getty Images</em></p>


Notes From Cannes

Through the Lens of Eva Losada


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Powerful enough to position herself at the center of the whole world; confident yet equally naive and fragile&#8230; Women transform into such a being after a certain period, and the whole story starts like this. Mysterious as the moon and strong as the sun. Nowadays, I&#8217;m reading a lot of Rupi Kaur, and I think I&#8217;m somewhat influenced by her&#8230; &#8220;Nothing can be stronger in life than one&#8217;s heart, which keeps shining every day despite falling apart.&#8221; We imitate the light, but truly becoming the sun, that&#8217;s impossible. The moon reigns in her own kingdom and gathers those who emit light one by one around her. We leave behind all the darkness we have to abandon to shine and start shining with Hande. Join in the dance between the moon and the sun.</h2>



<p>Follow the <a href="https://basedistanbul.com/en/full-moon-with-hande-ercel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">link for more.</a></p>



<p class="has-text-align-right"><span class="font-snell">Talent</span> Hande Erçel<br><span class="font-snell">Creative Direction &amp; Interview by</span> Duygu Bengi<br><span class="font-snell">Fashion Director</span> Burak Sanuk<br><span class="font-snell">Director</span> Deniz Bilgi / PPR Istanbul<br><span class="font-snell">Art Direction by</span> Ecem Tungaz<br><span class="font-snell">Hair by</span> Nuri Şekerci / Mood Mode<br><span class="font-snell">MUA</span> Ali Rıza Özdemir<br><span class="font-snell">Editor</span> Yağmur Yıldız<br><span class="font-snell">Producer</span> Zeynep Aldemir<br><span class="font-snell">Gaffer</span> Okan Ataş<br><em><span class="font-snell">Key Grip</span></em> Gripim Film<br><span class="font-snell">Creative Team</span> Ceydanur Demir<br><span class="font-snell">Fashion Team</span> Murat Kıvık, Samiye Seda Korkmaz<br><span class="font-snell">Director Assistant</span> Toprak Aşık</p>


Full Moon with Hande Erçel

Coding For Self-Expression


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The new Netflix series &#8220;Beef,&#8221; produced by A24, has been receiving praise since its release. What makes the series so watchable with its dark humor tone and engaging story?</strong></h2>



<p>A24, which has been receiving praise for its recent contributions to the world of cinema, is now presenting its new Netflix series &#8220;Beef.&#8221; The series stars Steven Yeun, whom you may recognize from The Walking Dead, and Ali Wong, who has garnered a solid fan base through her stand-up performances, in a dark comedy where we witness a revenge story with plenty of ups and downs. The series creates a feeling of being in the same universe as Everything Everywhere All At Once, which was successful at the recent Oscars, with its visual world, and each episode draws viewers into a spiral of &#8220;how will they get out of this mess?”</p>



<p>Wong&#8217;s character, Amy, is a successful businesswoman who has spent years growing her brand. She leads a perfect life with her perfect husband and daughter in her perfectly designed home in Los Angeles. Although she appears to be perfect on the outside, she is not happy with her life. However, as we later see, the limitations imposed by the family structure she grew up in prevent Amy from sharing her unhappiness even with those closest to her.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-240">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:90%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LEDE_BEEF_106_Unit_00190RC-1024x683.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-56392" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LEDE_BEEF_106_Unit_00190RC-1024x683.webp 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LEDE_BEEF_106_Unit_00190RC-360x240.webp 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LEDE_BEEF_106_Unit_00190RC-680x453.webp 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LEDE_BEEF_106_Unit_00190RC-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LEDE_BEEF_106_Unit_00190RC-16x11.webp 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LEDE_BEEF_106_Unit_00190RC-1200x800.webp 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/LEDE_BEEF_106_Unit_00190RC.webp 1581w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>
</div>



<p>Danny is a contractor who also lives in Los Angeles. He lives with his brother Paul, whom he almost hates, and his biggest dream is to bring his family back to America, who lost their motel due to the illegal activities involving his cousin Isaac. As the episodes progress, we become witnesses to Danny&#8217;s journey of finding himself and discovering his identity, as he loses his own faith and the trust of those around him.</p>



<p>At first glance, we see Amy&#8217;s illusion with her flashy parties, smooth-running business, and loving family gradually disappearing. In fact, one of the few things that truly makes Amy happy is the pleasure she gets from this revenge scenario. As we get to know the characters and witness their secrets, they gradually move away from black and white and meet in a vast gray area. We see this grayness in almost every character; you may be a good businesswoman, but not necessarily a good mother. You may be a good father, but not a good husband. You may be a good friend, but not a good confidant.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-244">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:90%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AAAAQWujfKtzpmPTWWCTI94FQHONU47yOX0ZTAIAovjtJooR10jOWxYH2V6F-1blC-s7R3NysEgpt8I70A7N47vrRH8SvfDYfKHzZMbNjqFkDz1blqM5I4y0MQF2h15FAb1rFEbCuJrLXGEc8lyEkP9Mqdsu-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56393" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AAAAQWujfKtzpmPTWWCTI94FQHONU47yOX0ZTAIAovjtJooR10jOWxYH2V6F-1blC-s7R3NysEgpt8I70A7N47vrRH8SvfDYfKHzZMbNjqFkDz1blqM5I4y0MQF2h15FAb1rFEbCuJrLXGEc8lyEkP9Mqdsu-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AAAAQWujfKtzpmPTWWCTI94FQHONU47yOX0ZTAIAovjtJooR10jOWxYH2V6F-1blC-s7R3NysEgpt8I70A7N47vrRH8SvfDYfKHzZMbNjqFkDz1blqM5I4y0MQF2h15FAb1rFEbCuJrLXGEc8lyEkP9Mqdsu-360x240.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AAAAQWujfKtzpmPTWWCTI94FQHONU47yOX0ZTAIAovjtJooR10jOWxYH2V6F-1blC-s7R3NysEgpt8I70A7N47vrRH8SvfDYfKHzZMbNjqFkDz1blqM5I4y0MQF2h15FAb1rFEbCuJrLXGEc8lyEkP9Mqdsu-680x454.jpeg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AAAAQWujfKtzpmPTWWCTI94FQHONU47yOX0ZTAIAovjtJooR10jOWxYH2V6F-1blC-s7R3NysEgpt8I70A7N47vrRH8SvfDYfKHzZMbNjqFkDz1blqM5I4y0MQF2h15FAb1rFEbCuJrLXGEc8lyEkP9Mqdsu-16x11.jpeg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AAAAQWujfKtzpmPTWWCTI94FQHONU47yOX0ZTAIAovjtJooR10jOWxYH2V6F-1blC-s7R3NysEgpt8I70A7N47vrRH8SvfDYfKHzZMbNjqFkDz1blqM5I4y0MQF2h15FAb1rFEbCuJrLXGEc8lyEkP9Mqdsu.jpeg 1045w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>
</div>



<p>The story, which begins with a road rage incident in a parking lot between two intolerant individuals, turns into a series of revenge. Amy and Danny, who leave the audience astonished with every move they make for revenge, are actually losing a part of themselves with each action and are unaware that they are shooting themselves in the foot. One of the best parts of the series is the traumas and shattered perceptions we encounter as we delve into each character&#8217;s story. The duo, who take revenge on each other (and indirectly on themselves) for the pain they have suffered in the past, quickly find themselves in an irreversible chaos. While chasing every opportunity to confront each other, they are afraid to face themselves and the destruction they have caused.</p>



<p>In the series, where the characters and events proceed in a very clever flow, the realities of life are provided with drama when appropriate and comedy when appropriate. Perhaps this is one of the things that makes the series most watchable. Give a chance to &#8216;Beef&#8217;, which is full of realistic moments from life, which is absurd that will make you think and laugh without being able to control yourself.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-248">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1277" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_beef-1024x1277.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56395" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_beef-1024x1277.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_beef-360x449.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_beef-680x848.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_beef-1232x1536.jpg 1232w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_beef-16x20.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_beef-1200x1496.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Untitled_beef.jpg 1337w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>


We Have ‘Beef’


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>You may have seen the inflatable, balloon-like structures of Utopic Arabia that are becoming increasingly popular on social media. You are invited to a journey where we explore the unique artistic visions of Eugenio Fernandez and Victor Nouman, the names behind these works, combined with their admiration for Middle Eastern culture, their creation processes and more.</strong></h2>



<p><strong>How did the idea of Utopic Arabia come to life?&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>We are both architects and we have been working between Dubai and Madrid for 6 years. We have also a digital Content creation company called Dune Studios. We have been always fascinated by the Arabic culture and we wanted to create something that brings to life our vision about it. We started one day in a café in Dubai creating some sketched of inflatable shapes in a traditional village in the middle of nowhere and we saw a lot of potential on this idea.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-258">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:90%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1228" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Utopic-Arabia-team-1024x1228.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56351" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Utopic-Arabia-team-1024x1228.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Utopic-Arabia-team-360x432.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Utopic-Arabia-team-680x816.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Utopic-Arabia-team-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Utopic-Arabia-team-1707x2048.jpg 1707w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Utopic-Arabia-team-16x19.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Utopic-Arabia-team-1200x1440.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>
</div>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>&#8221;Keep going no matter what people say. If you work hard and you have a vision you will achieve it sooner or later.&#8221;</p>
<cite>&#8211; Utopic Arabia</cite></blockquote>



<p><strong>What part of Middle Eastern culture do you resonate with the most?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>We connect a lot with the architecture, mostly because of our background. Also with the idea of celebration that is something we try to implement in our work. We like this idea of people dressed in monochromatic colors celebrating on the streets.</p>



<p><strong>What does your making process look like?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>We start identifying iconic elements from the middle East culture and from there we reimagine something new. Sometimes we start with sketches or a beautiful photograph. For us each image works as an independent content. We try to create strong concepts.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-261">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56352" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01-16x16.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01-1200x1200.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_01.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56353" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06-16x16.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06-1200x1200.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_06.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>What is one personal idea or belief that you try to reflect into your work?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>The main idea is the freedom to imagine other realities. Even though all the concepts are based on existing buildings or assets we like to think that other alternatives are possible.</p>



<p><strong>You’ve been utilizing social media to share your work. How do you think social media has changed how your work is perceived by others?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>Sometimes we got surprised about the reaction of different people. Some people look at the pictures as art and they feel it inspired in different ways. There is also a lot of people with different backgrounds that write us to know where actually these places are, or where they can visit the pink pavilion. Its very funny to see how each person take it in a different way.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-265">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:90%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56354" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07-16x16.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07-1200x1200.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_07.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>What is a crucial point to create a realistic 3D design?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>Generally, are the materials but in our work the landscape is very important also.</p>



<p><strong>What is the architectural accumulation behind your work?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>As I mentioned we have an architectural background and we feel very passionate about discovering new things. What we like most in Dubai is the overlay of different cultures and architectures and this is something that we think is shown in our work. We use a lot the contrast between traditional architecture and retro-futuristic elements.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-268">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56355" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10-16x16.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10-1200x1200.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_10.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56356" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05-16x16.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05-1200x1200.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_05.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>How do you use AI or other augmented reality technologies as a part of your design process?&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>AI is a huge tool that is just in the first stages. For us is very useful during the creative process.</p>



<p><strong>Your puffed-up designs of buildings and animals have become your signature in a way. So, why inflatable architecture?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>The first thing is that it’s ironic. We really like to play with this idea of transforming something that is supposed to be very serious into something joyful and playful. We also see that the inflatable white shapes in the middle of traditional streets or small villages are kind of phantoms that emphasize these iconic elements from the Middle East culture.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-272">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:90%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56357" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14-16x16.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14-1200x1200.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_14.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>What do you do in order to stay ahead in the industry?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>We work a lot and also, we try to be aware of the new artist and exhibition worldwide. Also for our work is very important to see what is happening just around us, on the streets we work every day.</p>



<p><strong>What is one great lesson you’ve learned along your creative journey?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>Keep going no matter what people say. If you work hard and you have a vision you will achieve it sooner or later.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-275">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56358" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12-16x16.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12-1200x1200.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_12.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56359" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13-16x16.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13-1200x1200.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopicarabia_13.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>What do you think is special about your work?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>It is the vision two artist or architects that looks into the Middle East culture as foreigners. Maybe this is the reason why for us is easier to identify these aspects that are part of the collective imaginary and take them to play with them.</p>



<p><strong>How do you see Utopic Arabia in the future?&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><strong>Utopic Arabia: </strong>We have gone from the real architecture to the digital world: Now we would love to do the way back and explore how these digital concepts can be transform into physical installation o architectural projects.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-279">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:90%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopic-arabia-18.png" alt="" class="wp-image-56360" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopic-arabia-18.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopic-arabia-18-360x360.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopic-arabia-18-60x60.png 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopic-arabia-18-680x680.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/utopic-arabia-18-16x16.png 16w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:5%"></div>
</div>


Dreamy Landscapes with Utopic Arabia

A Struggle for Equivalence


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Lucas Margarit is a make-up artist and hairstylist based in Madrid. He distinguishes himself in the beauty community with his extraordinary style, bold designs and unique eye. Let&#8217;s get to know Lucas closely, who uses make-up as a means of expression by conveying his inner world to his looks.</strong></h2>



<p><strong>How did you get into make-up and hair?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> I’ve always been into makeup and hair. Since I was very young I’ve been around makeup -thanks to having an older sister who’s makeup I could use in secret- and that fascination accompanied me growing up until the big hit of the Youtube beauty community back in 2015, which allowed me to work on my technique and learn the basics on doing makeup.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-330">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1280" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/C747FB3D-3CFC-4578-B477-90D344C5F501-44-1024x1280.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56238" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/C747FB3D-3CFC-4578-B477-90D344C5F501-44-1024x1280.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/C747FB3D-3CFC-4578-B477-90D344C5F501-44-360x450.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/C747FB3D-3CFC-4578-B477-90D344C5F501-44-680x850.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/C747FB3D-3CFC-4578-B477-90D344C5F501-44-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/C747FB3D-3CFC-4578-B477-90D344C5F501-44-16x20.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/C747FB3D-3CFC-4578-B477-90D344C5F501-44-1200x1500.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/C747FB3D-3CFC-4578-B477-90D344C5F501-44.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>What is your biggest inspiration while doing your art?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> I think I’d have to say it’s 50/50 split between sci-fi movies (especially the ones aired between the 90’s and the 2000’s) and iconic fashion runway moments.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-334">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1279" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/306728091_654406675865362_8391174362854905798_n-1024x1279.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56242" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/306728091_654406675865362_8391174362854905798_n-1024x1279.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/306728091_654406675865362_8391174362854905798_n-360x450.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/306728091_654406675865362_8391174362854905798_n-680x849.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/306728091_654406675865362_8391174362854905798_n-16x20.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/306728091_654406675865362_8391174362854905798_n.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>Who is your beauty icon of all time?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> I feel like my style and inspiration stems from a lot of different influences, but if I had to choose the biggest one it would definitely the famously recognized and super talented makeup artist Pat McGrath.</p>



<p><strong>Define your beauty aesthetic in three words?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> Natural, fashion-forward and clean.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>&#8221;Even the ugliest of things can be beautiful if it exudes confidence.&#8221;</p>
<cite>&#8211; Lucas Margarit</cite></blockquote>



<p><strong>What does future looks like for Lucas Margarit?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> Who knows! I’m always moving and always growing, working my ass off to make a living out of my art and to hopefully get my name in the Makeup Hall of Fame someday. But I’m not focused on any special goal at the moment since I find doing that tends to distract you from enjoying the present.</p>



<p><strong>What is the most memorable makeup look you have created?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> That’s kinda like asking a parent who their favorite child is! But if I had to choose only one I’d say this one;</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-338">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="807" height="1000" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_9828-34.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56234" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_9828-34.jpg 807w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_9828-34-360x446.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_9828-34-680x843.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_9828-34-16x20.jpg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 807px) 100vw, 807px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>In your opinion, what is the role of makeup in self-expression and identity?&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> To me, at least, it has been the key to a new level of experimentation, a world inside your own bedroom that allows you to be whoever you want to be. It’s a tool to transform your own perception of yourself and to help you believe that whoever you want to be is not only more reachable than you might expect but also admirable and deserving of love and respect.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-342">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1820" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/462025F8-9E09-4C6B-9B04-7A3CEC70A700-38-1-1024x1820.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56259" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/462025F8-9E09-4C6B-9B04-7A3CEC70A700-38-1-1024x1820.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/462025F8-9E09-4C6B-9B04-7A3CEC70A700-38-1-360x640.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/462025F8-9E09-4C6B-9B04-7A3CEC70A700-38-1-680x1209.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/462025F8-9E09-4C6B-9B04-7A3CEC70A700-38-1-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/462025F8-9E09-4C6B-9B04-7A3CEC70A700-38-1-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/462025F8-9E09-4C6B-9B04-7A3CEC70A700-38-1-16x28.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/462025F8-9E09-4C6B-9B04-7A3CEC70A700-38-1.jpg 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>Do you have a specific moment that you look back on and think, “I can’t believe I did that, I’ve come so far”?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> I absolutely do. Back when I was 17 and I started wearing makeup on a regular basis, I remember showing up in full glam to a Christmas Eve dinner or my graduation. I grew up in a very supportive school and family environment, and its was actually that same support that made me dare to live life my own way and to do whatever made me happy.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-346">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1280" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/323959055_197931169450210_1180723699955822592_n-1024x1280.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56240" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/323959055_197931169450210_1180723699955822592_n-1024x1280.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/323959055_197931169450210_1180723699955822592_n-360x450.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/323959055_197931169450210_1180723699955822592_n-680x850.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/323959055_197931169450210_1180723699955822592_n-16x20.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/323959055_197931169450210_1180723699955822592_n.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>Favorite makeup artists?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> Pat McGrath, Kevyn Aucoin, Raoul Alejandre, Fer Martinez, Ana Takahashi, Daniel Sallstorm, aoife, Sam Visser… i could go on for hours actually.</p>



<p><strong>What is it about your style that sets you apart from other makeup artists?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> I guess even though we all live in the age of information and we all share millions of references in our personal imaginary archive, it’s the little details that make a makeup artist, the way of treating one’s face, of understanding facial features, of treating color… I think I just have mine as all the other artists have theirs.</p>



<p><strong>In your opinion, what is true beauty?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> Confidence. That’s the most beautiful and attractive thing to me. And the magic in that is that even the ugliest of things can be beautiful if it exudes confidence.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-350">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1506" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-1024x1506.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56237" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-1024x1506.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-360x530.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-680x1000.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-1044x1536.jpg 1044w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-1392x2048.jpg 1392w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-1200x1765.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_3726-46-scaled.jpg 1740w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about makeup artists?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Lucas Margarit:</strong> That we’re cold or selfish, or that we may have have a big ego. Even though it might be true in some cases -there’s stupid people everywhere and in every professional field- I feel so very lucky to have almost always found and surrounded myself with the most honest, sincere, creative, kind and passionate people in the industry.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>&#8221;Make-up is a tool to transform your own perception of yourself and to help you believe that whoever you want to be is not only more reachable than you might expect but also admirable and deserving of love and respect.&nbsp;&#8221;</p>
<cite>&#8211; Lucas Margarit</cite></blockquote>


Bold, Brave and Delicious: Lucas Margarit


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kim Kardashian has joined the new season cast of American Horror Story, created by Ryan Murphy. Another name featured in the new season, teased with the title &#8220;Delicate,&#8221; is Emma Roberts.&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>The teaser trailer for the 12th season of Ryan Murphy&#8217;s FX series, American Horror Story, was released the other day. Kim Kardashian is accompanying Emma Roberts, who is returning to the cast for the new season, in a surprise move. Kardashian&#8217;s inclusion in the cast has received a lot of backlash.</p>



<p>Kim Kardashian has made a name for herself in our lives as a reality show star, and her ventures such as KKW Beauty and Skims have expanded her influence, along with her recent foray into the legal field. This time, she seems determined to prove herself in acting. After her first acting experience in Disaster Movie, Kardashian will once again try her luck in this world with a very ambitious role, and her role is currently a matter of curiosity. The only thing we know is that Ryan Murphy wrote this role with Kim in mind.</p>


Keeping Up With ‘American Horror Story’

Reinventing Values Created by Humans


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Melih Çebi uses the popular humorous elements of today’s world, he waves to the cameras as his first personal exhibition takes place. By using a sarcastic perspective that he brings from his life among the mediums of consumer society we are used to. Circular faces like the sun and the moon in most of his works resembles like a camera that follow us in every moment, along with the characters who are in a search of identity within our superficial and phony world. Take a moment from the outside world and explore Melih&#8217;s world.</h2>



<p><strong>What are the three emotions that &#8216;Baby on Board&#8217; evokes in you?</strong></p>



<p>Survival, adaptation, and achievement. I should say impulses rather than emotions.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-405">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1022" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/melihcebi-basedistanbul-1024x1022.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56093" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/melihcebi-basedistanbul-1024x1022.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/melihcebi-basedistanbul-360x359.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/melihcebi-basedistanbul-60x60.jpeg 60w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/melihcebi-basedistanbul-680x679.jpeg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/melihcebi-basedistanbul-16x16.jpeg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/melihcebi-basedistanbul.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>Why do you describe the characters in your work as &#8216;baby&#8217;?</strong></p>



<p>&#8220;Baby&#8221; represents a little bit like the center point within me. Like the core of a fruit. Or the self. I can&#8217;t exactly define it. Within every &#8220;adult&#8221;, there is nothing but a baby who controls it. When you take a step back and look from afar, doesn&#8217;t it seem like everyone has taken on adult responsibilities, but they appear to be like babies trying to survive with their instincts, without having a clear idea of what they&#8217;re doing?</p>



<p><strong>Most things today are ordinary. So, is there an activity that you still do even if it is considered ordinary?</strong></p>



<p>Walking at full speed. Considering it was one of the first things I learned, I think I can now describe it as a very ordinary activity. Sometimes I imagine myself wandering through cities in a &#8220;speed walk&#8221; mode. You can think of it like Super Mario. I guess I would have solved something inside me after such a tour.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-408">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:33.33%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:66.66%">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>&#8220;Perhaps laughing at everything might come across as a bit hysterical, but I think smiling while telling a story can help alleviate some of the weight we carry.&#8221;</p>
<cite>-Melih Çebi</cite></blockquote>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Do you have an unforgettable moment during the creation process of &#8220;Baby on Board&#8221;? If so, can you share it with us?</strong></p>



<p>As an artist who mainly works on 2D projects, the creation and production process of the wall masks and pawn sculptures that we decided to include in the exhibition with Pilot Gallery stands out in my memory. Especially the moment when we first met the final versions of the works and Halil (Altındere) meticulously opened the protective packages on the pawns, as if freeing a person from bandages that covered their face and body, and the moment when I made eye contact with one of my created characters in the 3D world will always be in my mind.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-412">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="892" height="1194" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WhatsApp-Image-2023-04-04-at-5.48.53-PM.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56094" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WhatsApp-Image-2023-04-04-at-5.48.53-PM.jpeg 892w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WhatsApp-Image-2023-04-04-at-5.48.53-PM-360x482.jpeg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WhatsApp-Image-2023-04-04-at-5.48.53-PM-680x910.jpeg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WhatsApp-Image-2023-04-04-at-5.48.53-PM-16x21.jpeg 16w" sizes="(max-width: 892px) 100vw, 892px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>Do you have an absolute source of inspiration behind your works or do you create your works using the stream of consciousness method?</strong></p>



<p>My motivation and inspiration can come from almost anything that happens to me away from digital screens; from solo trips I take around the city, offline conversations I have with my friends, books, songs, and often even from dreams I see. Based on these, I start creating something.</p>



<p><strong>When and how did you first discover your drawing style? Are there any works or people that inspire you as you explore your style?</strong></p>



<p>I started to form the final style of my characters around 6-7 years ago, but I had been on a journey towards it before that. The stories I read and everything that belonged to the popular culture of that time during my childhood, the cartoons (especially vintage cartoon movies produced since the 1930s), hundreds of music videos I watched repeatedly on MTV, a lot of Atari games I secretly played overnight just to finish, mascots staring at me from every consumption product I ate or drank, and many other things that consumer society exposes you and me to, all helped me in creating this world I have built.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-414">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2022-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56098" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2022-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2022-360x270.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2022-680x510.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2022-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2022-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2022-16x12.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2022-1200x900.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>What attracts you most in the world you have created?</strong></p>



<p>The two most powerful elements that attract me in the world I create are sarcasm and mystery. The exchanges between these two sometimes become moments that I discover long after I finish the work. It feels like playing a game. While trying to make sense of intense and strong emotions and giving them a concrete form, I always try to maintain a sarcastic perspective and make fun of things to some extent in my personal life as well. This could be a defense mechanism, but it feels like everything would be much harder without it. Perhaps laughing at everything might come across as a bit hysterical, but I think smiling while telling a story can help alleviate some of the weight we carry.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-416">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>&#8220;When you take a step back and look from afar, doesn&#8217;t it seem like everyone has taken on adult responsibilities, but they appear to be like babies trying to survive with their instincts, without having a clear idea of what they&#8217;re doing?&#8221;</p>
<cite>-Melih Çebi</cite></blockquote>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Do you have a must-have in the creation process of your works?</strong></p>



<p>I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s a bit funny, but most of the time when I start a new project, I light candles as if I&#8217;m preparing for a date, and I carefully choose the music I want to listen to. Sometimes, I even realize that I am subconsciously trying to dress in colors that match the ones that come to my mind and that I plan to use, or when I prepare something to eat, I catch myself preparing my plate with similar colors. Yes, it&#8217;s a bit funny.</p>



<p><strong>If your works started to talk, what would be the first word they would say to you?</strong></p>



<p>Don&#8217;t be afraid.</p>



<p><strong>Do you have a favorite among the mediums you have worked with?</strong></p>



<p>I mostly work with acrylic on canvas. My works generally contain references to consumer culture and the effects of the digital age. In parallel with the meanings they express, there is also a &#8220;pop&#8221; feeling to their colors and formation. I think acrylic paints support this &#8220;fast&#8221; feeling.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-419">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1365" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2056-e1680620911477-1024x1365.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56105" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2056-e1680620911477-1024x1365.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2056-e1680620911477-360x480.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2056-e1680620911477-680x907.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2056-e1680620911477-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2056-e1680620911477-16x21.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2056-e1680620911477.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1365" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2070-e1680621007367-1024x1365.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56108" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2070-e1680621007367-1024x1365.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2070-e1680621007367-360x480.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2070-e1680621007367-680x907.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2070-e1680621007367-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2070-e1680621007367-16x21.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2070-e1680621007367.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><br><strong>Do you see your art as a personal journey?</strong></p>



<p>I think everyone&#8217;s art starts as a very personal journey. But then, we begin to realize that many things on this path are far from individuality. On the way, consciously or unconsciously, we start to explore the universal meanings expressed by the language we use. Let&#8217;s say my journey has had quite a few changes or detours along the way.</p>



<p><strong>Do you ever get inspiration from your life for the characters in your works?</strong></p>



<p>Of course it does. First me, then you, then everyone.</p>



<p><strong>What is next for Melih? Can you share with us?</strong></p>



<p>Hopefully, a free and uncensored future awaits all of us where we come together with more people who are nourished by creative power. Fingers crossed.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-422">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1365" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2073-e1680620714925-1024x1365.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56103" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2073-e1680620714925-1024x1365.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2073-e1680620714925-360x480.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2073-e1680620714925-680x907.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2073-e1680620714925-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2073-e1680620714925-16x21.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2073-e1680620714925.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1365" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2059-e1680620688368-1024x1365.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56102" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2059-e1680620688368-1024x1365.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2059-e1680620688368-360x480.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2059-e1680620688368-680x907.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2059-e1680620688368-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2059-e1680620688368-16x21.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_2059-e1680620688368.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p>You can visit Melih Çebi&#8217;s first solo exhibition &#8220;Baby on Board&#8221; at Pilot Gallery until April 22.</p>


Sarcastic Baby Chronicles


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Lola Marsh, the enchanting music duo, has been captivating the hearts of fans all around the world with their ethereal blend of dreamy indie-pop and mesmerizing Middle Eastern folk influences. From their early beginnings to their most recent successes, join us as we dive deeper into the creative minds behind their magical world, filled with love and fantasy.</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Creativity is a big part of your music and video clips. In this creative process, how do you balance between your music and video clips?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau: </strong>We are working hard!</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen: </strong>It is so important for both of us to always been in touch with the music video directors to be sure that the visuals align with the message of the music. We don&#8217;t want to feel like we&#8217;re forced to do something, or present ourselves in a way thats against who we are. Feeling comfortable regarding the music videos is important for us.</p>



<p><strong>Besides your own music, which genres do you listen to the most?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> All kinds of genres! I’m a little bit of mix of everything. When I’m cleaning my house I’m listening to pop, when I’m going on a run, it’s pop or indie or hiphop, it changes.</p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> My listening habits have changed a lot in the past ten years because I feel that now I listen to a song as a producer. I can listen to some techno track and be really thrilled by the synth sound that it has, and I will push the like button, then it’ll go to my liked songs. So, basically, I’m listening to everything, I think. I try to listen everything, actually.</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> When we are cooking with my boyfriend, we always listen to old French music, that is my favorite playlist on Spotify.</p>



<p><strong>Is there any musician, band or song you admire and you think ‘this is how I would do it’?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen: </strong>Wow, so many! There are so many great musician that inspire us. I don’t know if it was you Gil, or another friend played it for me; but when I heard Tame Impala for the first time, I was like: “Okay, wow!” They’re really good. It was ‘Elephant’. It was the first song that I&#8217;ve heard from them.</p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> Tame Impala, Bon Iver, Sujfan Stevens, I like all Jack Antonoff productions. Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, a lot of singers.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Both of them:</strong> Arcade Fire. </p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> Phoebe Bridges, Dua Lipa.</p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> I like War on Drugs, actually. I like this 80s vibe. Everything, really. I’m listening to everything.</p>



<p><strong>Do you have a favorite song on your discography and if it is, what is the story behind?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> &nbsp;I would say, it is “She’s a Rainbow” for me. It is combination of uplifting, but still, little bit emotional. Very emotional. And it has a good message. It took us some time to write this song, and I like that. We waited with this song. I remember we had the chorus first, then, after a while, we found a verse. We were waiting for a really good verse because we had really good chorus. Sometimes in the writing process, it takes a while.</p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> Mine, too. I think there’s something classic about that song, and when I listen &#8216;She&#8217;s a Rainbow&#8217;, I&#8217;m shocked that we wrote it because it sounds like it already exists, and that’s what’s so special about it.</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> That song can live forever.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JB3C9700-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56049" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JB3C9700-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JB3C9700-360x240.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JB3C9700-680x453.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JB3C9700-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JB3C9700-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JB3C9700-16x11.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/JB3C9700-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-429">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:100%">
<p><strong>What do you write in your notes app?</strong></p>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen: </strong>To-do list for supermarket, and birthdays! If someone has a birthday, I will plan on the notes. Passwords as well.</p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> Songs. I always have songs. Letters, or long messages that I want to send. The things I need before tour. Actually, I have been doing it for years. I go back to the same list and keep updating it all the time as we are touring.</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> &nbsp;I have it, too. It saves life. Also, dreams.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>We know that you write your own music. So, what is the writing process like?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> Every song is very different. There are songs where it’s very easy, it just pops. Just like a finger touched us and we have a song, and sometimes, it takes time to understand what the song needs. I think, for both of us, we really get along. Usually, when we are in writing process it’s very fun and creative. I think it’s a place for us where we feel comfortable with each other.</p>



<p><strong>You’ve been making music professionally for over 10 years from now. So, now, where do you draw inspiration from?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> Lots of things; from our personal life to a good movie that you have something to talk about, and I think that the inspiration is people that surround us. The inspiration is like a memory. </p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> From everything! The inspiration is now. Like this interview, because everything can be a story and everything has its own sound. We&#8217;ve experienced so many times where one of us came to a session as “I’m drained, I have nothing to say, I’m empty.” Then, after a couple of hours of work, suddenly, “Hey! Something happened.” Sometimes you have to play a few songs and, suddenly, you have an inspiration.</p>



<p><strong>How do you balance creative collaboration with individual creative expression within the band?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> We don’t have a lot of time, actually. We both don&#8217;t have this desire to create something alone, individually. We do it once in a while, but not really, because this band is our life, basically.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> It’s our top priority, for both of us. We are together most of the time.</p>



<p><strong>How do you feel about Istanbul? Is there a song that makes you feel like you are in Istanbul?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> There is one artist that I really love. (Yael plays a song from Cem Karaca)&nbsp;</p>



<p>The last time we were in Istanbul, we had a day off, or a couple of hours off and we traveled in the city a little bit, went into a couple of stores and they played this song. I “Shazamed it” and I was like “Whoa!”. I remember I played it for Gil and he&#8217;s always with a guitar, playing it. So, we were both like ‘Whoa!’ This is very inspiring.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>What is changed for you since Covid-19 because we know that there are the traces of pandemic and lockdown in your album Shot Shot Cherry?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> First of all, we have a new album.</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> Unplanned.</p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> Actually, that’s what we did mostly in the Covid. I got married, too. It&#8217;s also a big change.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> I broke up with my boyfriend but, I found a new love. So, both of us are in good relationships.</p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> After  lockdown, tour is more exciting now.&nbsp;Suddenly, you understand it better because it was not obvious before.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> I remember the first tour that we had in Europe after Corona, we were allowed to fly and tour again and I saw the sparkles within the crowd’s eyes.</p>



<p><strong>This was actually a pandemic album. So, what are your major feelings to play those songs live?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Both of them:</strong> It&#8217;s fun.</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> It’s always fun to play new songs.</p>



<p><strong>Gil Landau:</strong> When we write songs, it’s fuel for our souls. It really gives us a lot of energy. So, during the pandemic, these songs gave us a real and good energy to keep on going to our life.</p>



<p><strong>Yael Shoshana Cohen:</strong> And a purpose. Seeing the reaction of the crowd, it&#8217;s always fun. We always ask them, ‘Did you listen to the album?’ And they are like, ‘Yeah!’ So, it’s fun.</p>


Creating a Dreamy Soundtrack to Life: Lola Marsh


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Karman Verdi is a Russian photographer with a passion for observing the outside world. He spends his time researching people with cameras and other tools. Join us as we explore Verdi&#8217;s photographic journey, creative process, and challenges as an artist living in a country where freedom of expression is not always guaranteed.</strong></h2>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-431">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC2702111-1-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55993" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC2702111-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC2702111-1-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC2702111-1-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC2702111-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC2702111-1-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC2702111-1-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC2702111-1-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Photography is such a self-expressionist medium; if you give the same camera to a 100 people and tell them to photograph a subject, you will have 100 different pictures. How did you meet with photography?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>I recently found some old 35mm photo film. They are from my childhood. These were shots that I took on camera at the age of 10. I didn&#8217;t remember it. Photography has been with me since an early age. I am still learning new things about myself. I think that the desire to observe the outside world has always been part of my personality. The older I get, the stronger this desire becomes.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-434">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5436-2ghostproject-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55985" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5436-2ghostproject-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5436-2ghostproject-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5436-2ghostproject-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5436-2ghostproject-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5436-2ghostproject-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5436-2ghostproject-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5436-2ghostproject-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6425ghostproject-1-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55994" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6425ghostproject-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6425ghostproject-1-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6425ghostproject-1-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6425ghostproject-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6425ghostproject-1-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6425ghostproject-1-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6425ghostproject-1-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-437">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5778ghostproject-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55983" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5778ghostproject-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5778ghostproject-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5778ghostproject-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5778ghostproject-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5778ghostproject-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5778ghostproject-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC5778ghostproject-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6374ghostproject-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55984" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6374ghostproject-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6374ghostproject-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6374ghostproject-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6374ghostproject-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6374ghostproject-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6374ghostproject-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC6374ghostproject-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>What is loneliness for you?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>For quite a long time I knew all the spectrums of this feeling. Loneliness can be present even when there are close enough people next to you. Loneliness is the highest feeling denoting human depth. Imagine that every person has a space inside their consciousness. Someone fills it with important things: people, interests, dreams, plans, and one day it is filled and people stop feeling a burning feeling of loneliness. But there are people who have too much of this space, and whatever they do, whatever things they put in there, it will not be enough. That&#8217;s how I can describe loneliness.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>&#8221;<strong>Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is much more important than a talent honed over the years.</strong>&#8221;</p>
<cite>&#8211; Karman Verdi</cite></blockquote>



<p><strong>Where do you find inspiration?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>Based on the last question, I can say that I find inspiration inside my mind. I have way too much junk in there. I just need to turn on some nice music, get comfortable and search.</p>



<p><strong>Composition is a big part of your work. Do you usually have a vision in mind or does it take a few shots to get there?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>I am guided only by my feelings. Before I start taking a picture of something, I imagine what it might look like. I take a few shots and if it is close to how it was in my imagination, then I turn off the camera and complete the shooting process.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-440">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_9655_3_-3-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55980" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_9655_3_-3-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_9655_3_-3-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_9655_3_-3-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_9655_3_-3-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_9655_3_-3-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_9655_3_-3-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_9655_3_-3-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2326_222_-2_1-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55981" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2326_222_-2_1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2326_222_-2_1-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2326_222_-2_1-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2326_222_-2_1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2326_222_-2_1-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2326_222_-2_1-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2326_222_-2_1-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Your work has a distinct visual style that gives away it’s yours to a familiar eye. How was the process of establishing your art language?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>Every artist needs insight. Any creator is very flexible. It all depends on the mood in a particular segment of life. I did not have a goal to find a recognizable style. I observed the surrounding reality, lived my modest life as a small person, and one day I learned to transfer my feelings and experience into some pictures. Whether the style is recognizable, whether it will have an impact on future creators, time will tell.</p>



<p><strong>What’s one advice you would give to emerging artists?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>I&#8217;m still a beginner too. Everyone is in a hurry somewhere, they want to be called pros, but what&#8217;s the point? We learn all our lives, forget something, update something in memory, and so on in a circle. I would advise you to just do what you like, don&#8217;t listen to advice if something works out, don&#8217;t slow down and continue to do what you love.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-443">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44084-2ghostproject-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55988" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44084-2ghostproject-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44084-2ghostproject-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44084-2ghostproject-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44084-2ghostproject-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44084-2ghostproject-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44084-2ghostproject-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44084-2ghostproject-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44284-2-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55989" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44284-2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44284-2-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44284-2-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44284-2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44284-2-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44284-2-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC44284-2-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>What makes a photo ‘good’? Is it the message or the photo itself visually?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>It is a successful combination of many things. Relevance, a great moment, a good idea and of course it&#8217;s luck. Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is much more important than a talent honed over the years.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-445">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC50950-Финиш1111-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55982" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC50950-Финиш1111-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC50950-Финиш1111-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC50950-Финиш1111-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC50950-Финиш1111-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC50950-Финиш1111-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC50950-Финиш1111-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC50950-Финиш1111-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>One artist you’ve discovered recently?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>If you notice, I have only one subscription on Instagram. I don&#8217;t follow other artists much, and I can&#8217;t follow my own life either. May I change your question and say something important? You may even have to cancel our interview. Now I live in Russia. Now there is injustice going on here. Due to the law, I cannot speak openly, but I will say that there is one very good person sitting in a maximum security prison right now. His name is Alexei Navalny. A documentary about him recently won an Oscar. His life is in danger. I would like your audience to pay attention to this. As long as people talk about him, as long as they know about him, he will be alive. Forgive me for introducing a bit of politics into our interview.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-449">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p><strong>&#8221;I think that the desire to observe the outside world has always been part of my personality. The older I get, the stronger this desire becomes.</strong>&#8221;</p>
<cite>&#8211; Karman Verdi</cite></blockquote>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>What’s one thing you would like to achieve before 2023 is over?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>I think I would like to move to another country. I don&#8217;t feel free here. I have to subject my projects to severe self-censorship. You know, I&#8217;m not afraid to go to jail for my ideas and sense of justice and morality, but I have family and close people whom I can hurt with this. And I am a person who loves and thinks not only about himself. Within a few years, I need to figure out what to do next.</p>



<p><strong>What is a crucial part of storytelling?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Karman Verdi: </strong>Sharpness. This word can be understood in different ways. I like versatility. Let people understand it the way they want.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-453">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1536" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC4545-2-1024x1536.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55990" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC4545-2-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC4545-2-360x540.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC4545-2-680x1020.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC4545-2-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC4545-2-16x24.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC4545-2-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/DSC4545-2-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>


An Inspired Mind Against a Burning Feeling of Loneliness: Karman Verdi

Sometimes Dark and Vamp, Sometimes Plasticky and Manga: Giuliano Calza


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sougwen Chung is the one who can imagine without borders. Her reference point is drawing. “It’s a ritual for me. A line is a contour of a lived experience, human figures and the organic, and when you can evolve the nature of that line, you can change your nature. Like a kind of meditative awakening, reliant on the extent of your own imagination.” This is the definition of her process. She has designed and constructed custom robots programmed with neural networks trained on her drawings gestures and biometrics. The artist and (re)searcher rejects understanding technology as a tool, but she embodies the idea of constructing robotic collaborators. The idea is challenging the technologies exploring the way in which ‘human artist’ and ‘machine artist’ can collaborate to create something extraordinary.</h2>



<p><strong>How did you get into art?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>My introduction to art and technology was through music and computers, in particular violin and the early internet. The expressive abstract form of sound and instrumentation through being a classically trained musician, the generative beauty of music theory, and the structure of code and screen-based work made a lot of sense to my brain. In the sense that, they all felt interrelated and correlating.</p>



<p>In this way my sciences and art interests have always been entangled. My mother was a programmer and my father an opera singer, so I grew up with computers and music and felt a natural affinity towards both. I’ve always felt an affinity with the duality of these pedagogies and ways of thinking, to consider the hybridity of these practices in collaboration.</p>



<p>The moment when I felt they could work together was the first time I drew with my first robot,&nbsp; D.O.U.G._1.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p class="font-snell has-medium-font-size">&#8220;At the moment, there is an urgency to hope, a revolutionary&nbsp; energy to it. I think hope in times past has been associated with feeling, but the times we live in are reframing hope as radical action.<em>&#8220;</em></p>
<cite>&#8211; Sougwen Chung</cite></blockquote>



<p><strong>How do you define your aesthetic?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>I don’t! At least, I try to approach aesthetics instinctively, not try to think too much about consistency, which can become a bit limiting. There’s something rare about being able to take your own time, find your own resonances, quirks, and curiosities, and then savouring, expressing, and celebrating them. Definitions are meant to be challenged, anyhow!</p>



<p><strong>Which practices lead you to this work? How important is it to be interdisciplinary today?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>Drawing, for me, as an artist and researcher, is how this all began. It’s a ritual for me. A line is a contour of a lived experience, human figures and the organic, and when you can evolve the nature of that line, you can change your nature. Like a kind of meditative awakening, reliant on the extent of your own imagination.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I’m very interested in creating and extending these lines, and meaning of making metaphors, into our processes for art-making by using technology in new ways – whether it be virtual reality, robotics or AI. I believe we can anthropomorphize our relationship with machines, particularly with robotics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I think by broadening our conversation on how we interact with the tools of today, technology and new applications, we can start to reveal new worlds of potentiality. And by doing this with an ethic of endorsing more caring, communicative, and attentive systems we can create new collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches for ourselves and our interactions with other pedagogies, forms of thinking, and even non-human others.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p class="font-snell has-medium-font-size">&#8220;I try to approach aesthetics instinctively, not try to think too much about consistency, which can become a bit limiting.<em>&#8220;</em></p>
<cite>&#8211; Sougwen Chung</cite></blockquote>



<p><strong>How did you start incorporating AI tools into your artistic practice?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>I really got to explore the collaboration of art with machines as a fellow for MIT’s Media Lab, discussing the hybridities of artistic mediums with technological systems. As an artist-in-residence with Nokia Bell Labs, I got to evolve the thematics of human-robotic collaboration, speculating on how the role of connected machines are expanding in scale and scope through advances in artificial intelligence and the proliferation of mechanical agencies. These speculations continue to drive my curiosity about collaborating with machines and further developing my practice alongside the expanding field of technological complexities.</p>



<p>I work with neural networks, computer vision, biosensors, and AR/VR to create relational robotics and technologies. You can think of them as co-creative systems interacting with my body, movements, and biology.</p>



<p>I like challenging the idea of the technologies I work with as being simply tools and prefer instead to nuance those in thinking of them as collaborations. This is how, over time, the expression of this research has produced a cacophony of artefacts like painting, sculpture, performances, installations and simulations.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-493">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:33.33%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1459" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen_-1024x1459.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55829" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen_-1024x1459.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen_-360x513.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen_-680x969.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen_-16x23.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen_.jpg 1065w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:66.66%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen-2022_languageofpathogens0-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-55830" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen-2022_languageofpathogens0-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen-2022_languageofpathogens0-360x203.png 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen-2022_languageofpathogens0-680x383.png 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen-2022_languageofpathogens0-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen-2022_languageofpathogens0-16x9.png 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen-2022_languageofpathogens0-1200x675.png 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/sougwen-2022_languageofpathogens0.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Language of Pathogens 2021, Biofeedback Paintings F.R.A.N. Series</figcaption></figure>
</div>
</div>



<p><strong>Your practice involves performance, installation, and drawings, as well as developing pioneering technologies in robotics. What is the interaction between art and technology from your point of view?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>I think often of this quote by writer Edouard Glissant, “Science transforms its languages; poetry invents its tongues. For neither is it a question of exploring, but one, rather, of going toward a totality that is unrealizable, without being required to say where they will come together-nor even that they have any need to do so.”</p>



<p>Not only can artists create new forms of knowledge by engaging deeply with the technologies that shape our world, more importantly technological development must be informed by socio-historical perspectives imbued in art practice.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Tell us about the importance of “freedom of self-expression” and the sense of it in your works.</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>There is a simple provocation championed by the Gutai collective – a post-war art movement from Japan that sticks in my mind. In a series of installations and radical performances, it asked participants to “Please Draw Freely”.&nbsp; I’ve often thought that drawing isn’t the form, it’s the way of seeing the form. And by drawing freely, one can enact a vital ritual that is an ongoing act of freedom.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>What inspires you the most?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>I find a blank canvas inspiring – it’s a space of possibility.</p>



<div class="wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-497">
<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:50%">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1365" src="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-1024x1365.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55793" srcset="https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-1024x1365.jpg 1024w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-360x480.jpg 360w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-680x907.jpg 680w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-16x21.jpg 16w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https://cms.basedistanbul.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SougwenChung_StudioScilicet_2022_PhotoCredit_DanWilton-02-1-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
</div>



<div class="wp-block-column is-layout-flow" style="flex-basis:25%"></div>
</div>



<p><strong>Do you have a milestone in your life where you really felt you are an artist?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>Over the years I have been really inspired by the vast international network of artists and scientists I’ve been able to collaborate with, and whom I frequently speak with on scientific topics, creativity, or literature.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I think being in the company of those you idolise and can prophesize with, in a way, confirms I’m along the trajectory I need to be whether that’s as an artist, researcher or a yet to be defined label.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now that we’re doing a lot of performances internationally, I’ve established my studio Scilicet in London and we’re building out various new collaborations. It’s an exciting time which sets course toward a larger milestone of creating more companion networks for the research and breadth of collaboration to continue.</p>



<p><strong>What topics do you like to focus on right now?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>Lately, I’ve been interested in exploring meditation and time through biofeedback systems, regenerative and symbiotic ecologies that emerge from technological stewardship as a way to engage with this idea of the earth as itself an organism, a process of growth, rupture and flow.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p class="font-snell has-medium-font-size">&#8220;I like challenging the idea of the technologies I work with as being simply tools, and prefer instead to nuance those in thinking of them as collaborations. This is how, over time, the expression of this research has produced a cacophony of artefacts like painting, sculpture, performances, installations and simulations.<em>&#8220;</em></p>
<cite>&#8211; Sougwen Chung</cite></blockquote>



<p><strong>What is next for you? Do you have a big dream?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>We’ve been invited to <a href="https://tokyo.mutek.org/en/about/mission">MUTEK.JP</a> in Tokyo this year, where we will be presenting the world premiere of Flora Rearing Agricultural Network or F.R.A.N for short.</p>



<p>F.R.A.N. explores plant and machine co-naturality and biomimetic robotics, and was seeded during isolation. It’s been in development for the last few years and we’re excited to give it liveness since iterations of the film and installation have been presented at Pearl Art Museum Shanghai, SØRLANDETS Kunstmuseet Kristiansand, Honor Fraser Gallery Los Angeles, and Vancouver Art Gallery.</p>



<p>At the moment I’m building my studio Scilicet, and we’re working with a growing team of exciting collaborators on a number of projects. My first art publication is also coming out in a few months from now, a project developed in close collaboration with Montréal-based publisher Anteism Books.</p>



<p>A big dream? It’s honestly been a dream so far to explore these processes and provocations through practice. A dream would be a a continued intertwining of art and life – a collective space in which research and art practice, technological development and philosophical inquiry can coexist alongside inventions of new ritual and commitment to care. That’s the big dream right now.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>What does hope mean to you?</strong></p>



<p><strong>Sougwen Chung: </strong>This is a beautiful question. At the moment, there is an urgency to hope, a revolutionary&nbsp; energy to it. I think hope in times past has been associated with feeling, but the times we live in are reframing hope as radical action. &nbsp;</p>
