Hande Sever’s solo exhibition “Take off your eyes” at REDCAT in Los Angeles delves into the intersection of art, war, and media, drawing on historical archives from Turkey to explore the complex relationships between violence and personal narratives. Through two installations, Sever uncovers hidden stories of conquest and imperialism, from the Armenian Genocide to the Ottoman Empire, revealing how art and media have shaped our understanding of the nation state in times of conflict and peace.
One of the central pieces in the exhibition, “In Search of ‘My Beloved Pauline’,” showcases a German soldier’s photo album from 1917-18, created for his girlfriend, Pauline, during his time in Anatolia. The album captures mundane scenes of Ottoman-era landscapes, juxtaposed with Sever’s contemporary photographs retracing the soldier’s footsteps. As the exhibition notes, the soldier’s presence coincided with the Armenian Genocide, shedding light on the dark history that lies beneath seemingly innocent images. Sever’s minimalist depictions of Turkish landmarks highlight the hidden narratives within the original photographs, inviting viewers to question what is left unsaid.
In “To Thread Air,” Sever presents a film essay and photo series that explore the relationship between war and art through the lens of US President Ronald Reagan and Turkish dictator Kenan Evren. The video essay traces Reagan’s involvement in American war propaganda films and Evren’s suppression of leftist art in Turkey, illustrating how personal connections between leaders can influence media narratives. Through a montage of archival footage and voiceover narration, Sever reveals the intricate ways in which art and politics intersect, shaping cultural production in times of conflict.
The exhibition is presented on raw wood scaffolding, creating a temporary space that encourages viewers to look beyond the surface of the artwork and uncover hidden connections between past and present. By juxtaposing historical material with contemporary interpretations, Sever weaves together fragmented stories to create a new narrative that challenges conventional understandings of history and memory.
“Hande Sever: Take off your eyes” is on display at REDCAT in Los Angeles until August 10, curated by Daniela Lieja Quintanar and Talia Heiman. The exhibition invites viewers to engage with the complex layers of art, war, and media, prompting reflection on how our relationships with the past shape our understanding of the present.
