Sarcastic Baby Chronicles

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’s world.

What are the three emotions that ‘Baby on Board’ evokes in you?

Survival, adaptation, and achievement. I should say impulses rather than emotions.

Why do you describe the characters in your work as ‘baby’?

“Baby” represents a little bit like the center point within me. Like the core of a fruit. Or the self. I can’t exactly define it. Within every “adult”, there is nothing but a baby who controls it. When you take a step back and look from afar, doesn’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’re doing?

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

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 “speed walk” mode. You can think of it like Super Mario. I guess I would have solved something inside me after such a tour.

Do you have an unforgettable moment during the creation process of “Baby on Board”? If so, can you share it with us?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

What attracts you most in the world you have created?

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.

Do you have a must-have in the creation process of your works?

I don’t know if it’s a bit funny, but most of the time when I start a new project, I light candles as if I’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’s a bit funny.

If your works started to talk, what would be the first word they would say to you?

Don’t be afraid.

Do you have a favorite among the mediums you have worked with?

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 “pop” feeling to their colors and formation. I think acrylic paints support this “fast” feeling.

Do you see your art as a personal journey?

I think everyone’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’s say my journey has had quite a few changes or detours along the way.

Do you ever get inspiration from your life for the characters in your works?

Of course it does. First me, then you, then everyone.

What is next for Melih? Can you share with us?

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.

You can visit Melih Çebi’s first solo exhibition “Baby on Board” at Pilot Gallery until April 22.