Foam at Mercatorplein:
Olgaç Bozalp Dad on His Search for Hüseyin

This summer, Foam Talent Olgaç Bozalp’s series Dad on His Search for Hüseyin, in which he humorously captures the travels of his eccentric and carefree father, will be featured on large billboards at Mercatorplein. Foam has been active in Amsterdam-West for a long time, presenting an exhibition in that public space every year.

Since 2016, Hüseyin and Olgaç have travelled extensively, exploring countries such as Oman, India, Turkey and the United States, both physically and from a distance. In the process, the camera became a tool to connect with each other and with their changing environment. Without realising it, this work became a turning point for both of them. Hüseyin gained a deeper understanding of the connection between him, his son and photography. Olgaç, on the other hand, was able to develop a style that highlights the beauty of humour and the absurdity of everyday life.

During their journey together, these photographs highlight the process of shared rituals where different locations serve as backdrops for their personal stories. The series is inspired by the family album travel photos with their colourful, blurred, overexposed and oddly framed snapshots that many have at home. Still, the images convey the sense of temporary relief that holidays provide, with their unexpected encounters and sun-drenched memories.

About the artist

Olgaç Bozalp (1987, Turkey) is a visual artist with a fictional approach to documentary photography. His photographic research explores topics related to travel, cultural identity and migration. By juxtaposing Western and non-Western beauty, masculinity and femininity, his art promotes a more diversified understanding of these concepts and challenges their traditional roles. Bozalp was selected as a Foam Talent in 2022. His photographs have been published by T Magazine, Dazed, Le Monde and Atmos and exhibited at Aperture Gallery, Unseen, National Portrait Gallery and the Sharjah Art Foundation.

About Kismet

The exhibition of Olgaç Bozalp 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.

Foam in MAQAM

For more work by Olgaç Bozalp, you can visit MAQAM within walking distance of Mercatorplein. This cultural centre in Amsterdam-West's Kolenkit neighbourhood opened in 2021 by the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra together with cultural partners Foam and theatre De Meervaart. MAQAM was founded as a creative space for local residents, talent and creatives. You can visit Bozalp's exhibition Leaving One for Another by appointment. In the serie he asks the question: why do people leave their home for another place? He draws on his personal experience as a migrant but also offers a more general perspective on forced migration, opportunity and childhood nostalgia. It is the fourth Foam-curated presentation at MAQAM.

Olgaç Bozalp – Dad On His Search for Hüseyin can be seen from 14 June – 17 July 2023 at the Mercatorplein in Amsterdam West. This exhibition was made possible by the generous support of Stadsdeel Amsterdam West.

Olgaç Bozalp – Leaving One for Another can be seen by appointment from 23 June – 7 October 2023 at MAQAM in Amsterdam West (Jan van Schaffelaarplantsoen 2).
+ 31 (0)6 23324507
www.maqam-amsterdam.nl

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