2025, MISANTROPHY, RAST GALLERY

Artists: Ali İbrahim Öcal, Damla Yalçın, Eda Çekil, Ekim Zafer Acun, Erdoğan Kaplan, Gözde Mimiko Türkkan, Mesut İkinci, Nejbir Erkol, Sinan Orakçı 

During the preparation process for this exhibition, we focused on misanthropy, which arises from a deep sense of alienation toward human nature and a disillusionment with deteriorating social relationships. This concept, which has gained even more significance in the challenging times we are going through, is reflected in works that portray a dark and melancholic perspective, where artists explore their existence and relationship with society through an autobiographical lens. All the artists we have invited belong to Generation Y, and the exhibition space itself is a Generation Y initiative that embraces a fresh and new perspective. Together, we question social decay, the corruption of values, and the distrust among individuals; we critically examine today’s socio-political structure from a misanthropic perspective. Our individual anger at the collapse of ethical and moral values, loneliness, and alienation collectively take shape through artistic expression.

Misanthropy is not merely a withdrawal into oneself, as commonly perceived, but also a tool for awakening and questioning. As we carry our protest against social collapse into the streets during these difficult times, we stand ready to confront all the structures before us in our struggle for a fairer world.

Text by Ayça Okay

Curatorial Assistant: Simay Karadoğan