Arik Levy – Boundries of the Untangible
Can a space have a story to tell, or does it merely reflect our inner perception of reality? Only through subtleties of existence we percieve the answers, leading us to confront our own perceptions and question the nature of our presence. As the questions and answers intertwine we enter the mind of Arik Levy. We enter a vast universe where space and presence are not just concepts but living, breathing entities.
“Beauty of The Other” draws us closer with a magnetising approach to space and existence. Levy’s ideas is an invitation to explore the vast, often uncharted territories of our own minds. Pushing the boundaries of traditional art, creating a space where presence is an active, participatory experience. Ultimately connecting the tangible with the intangible, the seen with the unseen. The collection is available for visit at Pilevneli Yalıkavak gallery until September 8th.
You develop your productions on the concepts of space and presence; how do these concepts correspond in your reality?
Arik: Space and presence are woven into the fabric of my everyday existence. My sensitive sensors absorb the subtleties of these ideas, allowing me to enhance and enrich the interactions around me. The brain perceives long before we consciously react, creating a dynamic connection that activates our nature before we even realize it. This invisible thread influences me instantly or in due time. My work lies in this gateway between the self and our surroundings, a constant dance of perception and reality.
Taking the relationship between the subject and others as a starting point; what would you like to say about the transformation of forms of relationship?
Arik: We often fall into the traps of social stereotypes and “rules” fashioned by time or our limited vision. Relationships are like an improvised choreography, where all elements, including the dance floor, are in constant motion. When you stand before my mirror-polished stainless-steel sculptures, you face a reflection but cannot see yourself. This poses a profound question: “Are you truly where you think you are?”
What is the impact of material choices on production practices?
Arik: Material choices are multifaceted and impact each piece on numerous levels. For me, materials transcend the physical —stone, metal, bronze. emotions, intelligence, beauty, contrast, physical impact, words— these are also materials I work with. When I name a piece “Rock” and it’s crafted from wood, empathy is already at play, presenting layers to unravel.
“We often fall into the traps of social stereotypes and “rules” fashioned by time or our limited vision. Relationships are like an improvised choreography, where all elements, including the dance floor, are in constant motion.”
Arik Levy
How does the evolution of consciousness and empathy affect your work as an artist?
Arik: Having my sculpture park in the south of France, I live and breathe my work daily in a profound, unprecedented way. I am even more engaged and aware, embracing the dynamic interrelation of self and other, making consciousness and empathy inherently intersubjective. This intersubjectivity is woven into my art, perhaps why people feel emotionally tethered to my work and me.
How would you describe your new solo exhibition ‘The Beauty of the Other’ to someone who has never seen it?
Arik: My exhibitions are immersive journeys, engaging all senses. The theme of “the other” is a vast and deep subject in everyday life. Appreciating and understanding another’s beauty is a monumental task. The exhibition invites viewers to experience and reflect on these profound themes, using their multi-sensory radars.
You say, ‘Beauty, once discovered, transcends its physical mass or visual presence.’ How does the knowledge of materials gained from industrial design affect your art practices?
Arik: For me, materials are a passion, not merely a profession. Industrial design, my initial financial means of survival and it deepened my understanding of structures and science. Design serves industry, utilizing and transforming materials through science and innovation. My material knowledge delves into the molecular structure, and far from being only a reference to the surface aesthetics.
So how is the concept of beauty, which is the subject of this discovery, shaped in your world?
Arik: Beauty is a deeply personal experience, an inner understanding. My work does not chase universal beauty but seeks the inner beauty within. As a positivist, I find doors to walk through and share this journey through my art.
How significant are metaphors for your art practice?
Arik: Metaphors are profoundly significant, serving as the language through which I write my visual and sculptural poetry.
What is your starting point in your works? How does the initial inspiration, the starting point get realised?
Arik: The starting point often reveals itself along the journey, sometimes in the middle or at the end. Occasionally, it remains hidden for a while. Inspiration is a confluence of my 61 years of life experience and sensitivity, a tapestry made from countless threads.
What’s next for you?
Arik: Tomorrow! With all its surprises and mysteries. The unknown excites me, the unplanned that awaits. My upcoming exhibitions, like seeds planted in the past, are about to bloom, revealing the journey that led me here.
Interview by Duygu Bengi