A.G.E Mehmet Dere's Solo Exhibition: 'A.g.e' [Op. cit.]*
May 12 - May 31, 2023, Merdiven Art Space

Merdiven Art Space hosted Mehmet Dere's solo exhibition titled 'A.g.e' [Op. cit.] from May 12 to May 31, 2023. The exhibition showcased nearly 20 years of autobiographical works, focusing on the perception and reinterpretation of images.

Dere approaches images not just as windows to the world. but as emotional and cultural subjects. His lifelong practice of collecting and recontextualizing diverse objects such as the F11 key, burnt matches, and the comic book character Hulk reflects his interest in transforming everyday visuals into deeply personal narratives.

The exhibition featured works ranging from early collages to contemporary installations, exploring how images are embedded in and reshaped through memory. By emphasizing their emotional and cultural layers, Dere reveals that images carry more than visual meaning. They embody symbols, memories, and societal connotations.

The title 'A.g.e' [Op. cit.]?a Turkish abbreviation for?the aforementioned work? serves as a metaphorical reference to the artist himself. Dere invites viewers to construct their connections to his works, offering both visible narratives and untold stories. This interplay between the explicit and the implicit transforms the exhibition into an open-ended dialogue between the artist, the works, and the audience.

In 'A.g.e' Mehmet Dere reflects on the evolving meanings of images while challenging viewers to explore their social and emotional significance. This exhibition stands as a profound meditation on how art, memory, and identity intertwine.