Etching of Çağrı Dizdar 

“I place great importance on interdisciplinary work in the field of traditional arts. I believe that seeing the same motifs used in different contexts and techniques helps us recognize the potential and depth within this field.

 

That’s why my collaboration with Derin is especially special to me. It was a process that pushed me completely out of my comfort zone, both technically and in terms of scale. Unlike the classical illumination-miniature practice, the technique required me to create a simpler and more asymmetrical composition. I developed a design that used different motif groups in a more organic and layered way.

 

I had taken etching classes back in school, but while discussing possible techniques with Derin, I discovered many I hadn’t been familiar with before. We experimented with marbling, sugar lift, and chine-collé techniques. In the end, we decided to support the composition with marbling.

 

My recent works explore the theme of the carnival. Through masked figures, I question today’s perception of identity. That was actually my initial intention for this piece as well, but with the protests that began on March 19 in Turkiye and our constant presence in the streets, the work gradually transformed into an expression of breaking point and accumulated frustration. This print, created in such a special moment, holds a unique place for me.’’

​

Çağrı Dizdar

2025​​