Dark comes from the lack of light, and we could not perceive dark if there were no
light. The relationship between darkness and brightness is delicate and subtle for being
conflictive yet provable for each other's existence. Like the brightest light generates the
most un-illuminated shadow, the most significant feature of Burcu Yağcıoğlu's practice
unveils this dilemma with its characteristics of being tender yet vulnerable and concealing
also explosive. Yağcıoğlu uses a variety of materials such as painting, drawing, video and
installation regarding different subjects and issues. Her works often show tactile allure with
an affectionate appearance. Here, one may see a series of divisions: light and dark,
bewitching and irritating, gentle and brutal, shadowed and exposed, filling and empty or
yield and confrontation. However, there is always an ambiguous state floating in between
these dichotomies. The uncertainty flowing within the semi-translucent papers and colours,
the void in her work, or the candid and nearly minimum display that she creates.

This project includes two exhibitions that take place in two different countries. The titles
were inspired by Yağcıoğlu's work Burcu was here (2008) . The project uses the two titles:
the exhibition happening at Everspring Museum of Fine Arts in Taichung, Taiwan is entitled
'Burcu was there', and the one at C.A.M. Gallery in Istanbul, Turkey is named 'Burcu was
here' (5/ May-5/ Jun/ 2011). The two titles are similar yet different corresponding to each
other in order to highlight the two shows perform as exhibitions in dialogues rather than
exhibiting the same show in two different venues. There and here can both indicate 'in, at,
or to this place or position'; 'used when pointing or gesturing to indicate the place in mind';
or 'used to indicate one's role in a particular situation'. The titles use the past tense to
underline her experience has transfigured into her creations and also accentuate that she
has left traces about her thoughts and oeuvres in her practices. On top of that, there and
here in the titles refer to she being a visitor in Taiwan and coming back to her hometown
Istanbul in addition to review and convey the changes, developments and correspondences
between the two exhibitions.

by Ming-Jiun Tsai

• 空白
• 物件
• 消失
• 柔軟
• 力量
• 轉換
• 存在