art

"Everything in life arises from the attraction between opposing forces and their continual drive toward transformation. According to Taoist philosophy, the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—serve as guides throughout our journey of life. Harmony in nature can only be achieved through the balance of these five elements, and since human beings are an inseparable part of nature, they too must find equilibrium among the opposing forces they experience.

​

This exhibition focuses on fire, one of the five elements, as a metaphorical journey toward light. Fire, with its dominant and transformative character, is approached as a fundamental symbol of life itself. The paintings emphasize fire's ability to transform everything it touches into its own essence. At first, the light of fire is reflected onto the figures from the outside; over time, however, that light begins to emerge from within them. Through this progression, the works arrive at the idea that life exists only through human presence—or, in other words, fire becomes fire only because there is humanity to perceive and embody it. Ultimately, the five elements derive their meaning through human existence."

​

Zehra Başaran

​

Zehra Başaran's solo exhibition "The Five Elements" will be on view at Gala Gallery from 28 April to May 2023.