Four Surrealist Manifestos are currently known to exist. The first two, published in 1924, were written by Yvan Goll (1891-1950) and André Breton (1896-1996). Each document proposed a revolution against societies ruled by rational thought, tapping into the “superior reality” of the subconscious and the “unsparing qualities” of the imagination. Ulaş Kesebir (b. 1980) & Merve Türkan (b. 1985) utilise primary colours and minimal sets, using draping materials and block furniture to subvert domestic spaces. The compositions are loosely influenced by the Surrealist movement – releasing creative potential through an irrational juxtaposition of movements, forms and gestures. Many of the works are self-portraits, injecting humour whilst distorting the body. Heads emerge through windows. Legs are tied up in sheets. The self-taught photography duo, Ulas&Merve, is currently based between Istanbul and London.
Image Credits
Lead Image: Ulaş Kesebir & Merve Türkan, Izmir, Turkey, 2017.
1: Ulaş Kesebir & Merve Türkan, Izmir, Turkey, 2016.
2: Ulaş Kesebir & Merve Türkan, Izmir, Turkey, 2016.
3: Ulaş Kesebir & Merve Türkan, Izmir, Turkey, 2016.
4: Ulaş Kesebir & Merve Türkan, Izmir, Turkey, 2018.
5: Ulaş Kesebir & Merve Türkan, Izmir, Turkey, 2016.
6: Ulaş Kesebir & Merve Türkan, Izmir, Turkey, 2016.
