Dad on his search for Hüseyin:
about the exhibition
As part of the multi-year project Kısmet, Foam presents the series Dad on his search for Hüseyin by visual artist Olgaç Bozalp as an outdoor presentation at Galerie Mercatorplein in Amsterdam. In this article, we share the theme text of the exhibition alongside visuals of the series.
This series began in 2016 during a father-son trip to Jordan. Intrigued by his father Hüseyin’s sense of humor, photographer Olgaç Bozalp set out to capture his unique way of travelling. Bozalp wanted to see if other people would find him as amusing as he did. For that reason, he turned the camera onto Hüseyin and allowed his personality to shine through. Little did they know that this simple journey would become an exploration into Hüseyin’s persona beyond his role as a father.
As Olgaç and Hüseyin journeyed across India, Oman, Jordan, and Turkey, Olgaç was delighted to discover his father's hidden talent as an entertainer. Back home, Hüseyin leads an ordinary life as the owner of a small clothing shop in central Turkey. When they travel though, Hüseyin embraces another side of himself. He fearlessly breaks the ice with locals and engages in random acts of humour, always finding different ways to blend in. Knowledge of English is not required, Hüseyin connects with others through gestures and sound effects.
In this process, the camera has become a tool to connect with each other, to go beyond the confines of their father-son roles. Hüseyin has reached a deeper understanding of both his and his son’s connection to photography. Olgaç, on the other hand, has been able to shape a visual style that accentuates the humour and absurdity that lies in the beauty of daily life.
As they journey together, these images highlight the process of a shared ritual where different locations serve as backdrops for their personal stories and adventures to unfold. The result is a photo series that brings us back to the family photo album that many have at home, with their colourful, fuzzy, overexposed, and weirdly framed snapshots. Images that, nonetheless, capture the feeling of temporary relief that vacations provide, with their unexpected encounters and sun-drenched memories.
About the artist
Olgaç Bozalp (b. 1987, Turkey) is a visual artist with a fictional approach to documentary photography. His photographic research explores topics connected to travel, cultural identity, and migration. Through the juxtaposition of Western and non-Western beauty, masculinity, and femininity, his art promotes a more diversified understanding of these concepts and challenges their traditional roles. Olgaç became Foam Talent in 2022. His photographs have been published by T Magazine, Dazed, Le Monde, and Atmos as well as exhibited in Aperture Gallery, Unseen, National Portrait Gallery and Sharjah Art Foundation.
About Kısmet
This exhibition is part of Kısmet, an initiative created and developed in close collaboration between Studio Polat and Foam. The multi-year project is inspired by longstanding cultural, diplomatic and economic ties between Turkey and the Netherlands. Kısmet delves into the diverse and intricate facets of Turkish visual culture, as seen through the lens of different generations of image makers.
Galerie Mercatorplein is made possible by Stadsdeel Amsterdam-West.
The exhibition is made possible by VandenEnde Foundation and Kleurgamma Fine-Art Photolab.
Foam is supported by the VriendenLoterij, Foam Members, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, VandenEnde Foundation and the Gemeente Amsterdam.