Tired Earth: An Interview with Mehmet Sinan Kuran, Artist

This interview was conducted by Selva Ozelli

What are you working on now?

Currently, I have an art show at Muse Contemporary¹ curated by Ayse Pinar Akalin, located at the Grand Pera in Istanbul. I am also exhibiting my digital art show “Magical Forest” at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) until November 12,2021: https://climatefringe.org/events-calendar-x/arts-and-exhibitions/.

How has this year been so far, what worked well, what didn’t move as quickly as you would have liked?

During the first half of this year, I exhibited my Magical Forest digital art show at several United Nations events such as the 7th Africa Regional Forum on SDG², International Day of Forests³, Earth Day⁴, 7th Asia Pacific Climate Change Adaptation Forum, the United Nations Biodiversity⁵ and COP26⁶. These UN events were published in the 2021 United Nations General Assembly Guide⁷.   

During the second half of this year, I took part in several physical exhibitions at galleries in Istanbul and Bodrum after the covid-19 lockdowns were eased.

What do you hope to express in your “Magical Forest ” digital art show?

With my Magical Forest Art Show I want to point out that we have to understand one thing now. We are not the owners of this world. We are guests. We are no different than an antelope or a lizard. As guests, we must respect this magnificent planet. We must live elegantly. By trying to be beneficial to our environment. By sharing. It is certain that beautiful days lie ahead. Change has begun. As news coming out of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) with global pledges by world leaders to keep the 1.5°C goal alive is hopeful. At least 110 countries including Turkey – which represent 85% of the planet's forests – pledged to end and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030.

Magical Forest by Mehmet Kuran

What are your plans for the future?

I have art exhibits planed in galleries in Istanbul, Bodrum, where you will be able to see my latest art.

How can people find out more about what you are working on?

You can find more of my work on my website, on my Instagram pages and on Facebook.

1. https://musecontemporary.com
2. https://www.uneca.org/seventh-session-of-the-africa-regional-forum-on-sustainable-development/selva-ozelli%27s-12-digital
3. https://www.fao.org/international-day-of-forests/events/en/
4. https://www.earthday.org/artist-gallery/
5. https://www.cbd.int/action-agenda/contributions/action/?action-id=603271df4c8dc20001adb640
6. https://climatefringe.org/events-calendar-x/arts-and-exhibitions/
7. https://virt.com/search/?term=selva+ozelli&when=past