VIDEOKUNST-BERN-SWITZERLAND

Videokunst.ch @ Progr.ch Videokunst.ch @ Bienzgut.ch

From 2004 to 2008, Videokunst.ch exhibited in a showroom the Zentrum für Kulturproduktion Programme in Berne. From 2008 to February 2010, there was a display window in the Speichergasse in Berne dedicated to Videokunst. Since April 2012, videokunst.ch has opened two new locations: LOCATIONS: Videokunst.ch @Progr.ch Progr_Center for cultural production, Waisenhausplatz 30, 3011 Berne Opening hours: weds.-fri.: 2-6 p.m., sat.: 12-4 p.m. Videokunst.ch @Bienzgut.ch in cooperation with Kunstachse Bienzgut, Video window, Library Bümpliz, Bernstrasse 77, 3018 Berne Play time: daily 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. EXHIBITION (both locations): FERHAT ÖZGÜR «women in love», 2013DVD, 13’20’’, loop Opening @ Progr.ch: Thurs., October 17, 2013, 6-8 p.m. Ferhat Özgür is a poetic chronicler of his surroundings and one of the most fascinating contemporary Turkish artists. Most of his incredible works emerge from the historically important melting pot of his home country, where different cultures and religions converge. He is a master of subtle nuances and of complex searches for clues. Furthermore, he is skilled at humorously and profoundly positioning his works in between the tensions of tradition and modern times: some are spontaneous observations, some cinematically composed pieces. His work «women in love», belongs to the first category. Three grown and experienced Turkish women talk about their deceased husbands in front of the camera. They also recount intimate details of their sexuality, talk about alcohol abuse or domestic violence. Even though the women don’t seem to remember any happy moments, the «main character» is – despite all the sufferings - still madly in love with her husband. She is collecting keepsakes and memorabilia of him – and even dedicates a little dance performance to her late husband. The well-positioned steps orchestrate the conversation and enable a direct, almost voyeuristic but still tender access to a Turkish living room. Once again, Ferhat Özgür manages to register the big topic of death and love in a video essay. With «women in love» he creates an ambivalent metaphor of reality and idealization.Exhibition @ Progr.ch till November 16, 2013 @ Bienzgut.ch till November 14, 2013 Ferhat Özgür, «women in love», 2013 www.bienzgut.ch www.kunstachse.ch www.progr.ch