Galeri 77 officially opens its doors to the new art season between September 10th – October 10th with Evgenia Sarkissian’s (Saré) solo show, “Human Comedy”. Named after Balzac’s famous series “The Human Comedy”, the exhibition consists of a selection of artist’s works between the years 2015-2019. Presenting undefined but thoroughly poetical compositions that are lacking any concrete or urban landscape in their background by cracking open the doors to a surprising yet charming world between fantasy and reality; the artist unleashes her free-floating, unbridled imagination for our enjoyment as spectators. The very first solo show in Turkey of the Yerevan-born, Paris-based artist, this selection is open to visitors until the 10th of October in Galeri 77’s space in Karaköy.

In Saré’s unique imaginary world, some monotypic, fantastic characters, appearing as actors and actresses of the Human Comedy, enter into a sarcastic dialogue with us and make us question which world is the more absurd one. Each possessing a diverse stage setting, these paintings also seem to be an integral part of a single whole. The fact that the artist prefers to create her works in series provides an aesthetic unity within the sensory range. Her harmonious pastel color palette allows the paintings to come together in varied combinations and create different narratives.

When you look at the paintings, you get the feeling that “this picture was made only for me”. It is as if no one else can feel this visual impact. The tension between the pastel colors and the absurdity of the characters drags the viewer into an uncanny affection, and then the humor behind these cunning types is revxzealed. The artist’s humor here is critical and does not respect any taboo. In fact, it prevents us from forming of new taboos, giving us the strength to bear in the existential tragedy. Thus, it reminds us that the truth for humans, animals and nature can only be seen through imagination. Now, in this human comedy, it is up to us, like children who like to be scared, standing in front of these paintings to find the secret of what remains from humanity.

“Human Comedy”, Saré’s first solo show in Turkey, is urging us to explore an unusual, distinct universe reminiscent of grotesque art and fairy tale drawings from our childhood, or even certain Medieval cartoons. This is a fantastic universe where the characters take to the stage with somewhat pensive, melancholic glances, courteous dresses, and delicate hands and feet to complete an enchanting appearance. The artist expresses the tension and the joy in a parallel humanity that is surprisingly akin to ours with her small and sweet craziness.