Deniz Sözen’s practice investigates the concept of culture, subjectivity and the unresolved nature of belonging. Her work combines films, found objects, personal archives, and crafted artefacts. Through the multitude of symbols, subtitles and voices layered in several languages in her films, images and installations, she explores the multi-layered nature of culture and identity. Sözen tackles the barrier of the untranslatable, of that which defies meaning and is therefore often explained by superficial stereotypes. By questioning her identity as an artist and as an ethnic 'curiosity' (as both Austrian and Turkish) through the creation of her British alter ego Suzan Dennis, Sözen reveals the simple-mindedness of most attempts to deal with multi-ethnicity. Every notion of a coherent and fixed identity that the audience may have lurking in their minds as a preconception, is thrown into question. Situated between the demand for exotism, political correctness and sheer misinterpretation, Sözen’s work has to face the challenge to counter-act and disrupt stereotypical images of ‘otherness’ often promoted by a Euro-American-centric art market.

In parallel with the be longing private view on Tuesday 16th March at 7pm, the Austrian Cultural Forum will host a special screening of Gurbet – In Der Fremde (Gurbet, Away from Home) written and directed by Kenan Kılıç with a Q&A session afterwards. This evening presents a wider experience of the ACF’s cultural programme and celebrates the connections between Austrian and Turkish cultures in multicultural London context.

be longing is supported by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office.