Turkish artist Servet Kocyigit is based in Amsterdam where he has a studio. He’s exhibited widely and has had numerous solo exhibitions including one at Milan’s Officine dell’Imagine. His conceptual art has covered many subjects but his most recent work focuses on the language of mapping and his theoretical search for where he belongs. “I am trying to define geographies in an artistic way. Parallel to my own life, as an immigrant artist, I am constantly searching for the ideal geography, where I feel I can belong.”

What is your background in art?

I studied visual arts at Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam.

What is it that appeals to you about using textiles as a medium?

Textiles has many facades; they are functional, aesthetic, cultural and historical. Everybody use textiles on his or her body from very basic to very expensive versions.  It’s a soft material and very easy to work with it.

How do you describe your work? 

I always start with a concept but I like the material and process as well. My work also needs to be visually good. I always follow my instincts and use my emotions in the work.  In recent years I’ve been trying to rewrite the language of mapping. How we are belong to a geography which has been defined for us.

Can you briefly talk through the concept behind Soft Landing?

I developed “ Soft Landing “ during a residency program in Istanbul (International Artist residency program organised by Istanbul Modern). Even though my maps don’t point to specific geographies, this work was inspired by city of the Istanbul. I looked a lot at the maps of 16th Century Ottoman cartographer Piri Reis and Turkish miniatures. I wanted to create a modern iconography, bringing old techniques to the current times.  I had a chance to work with artisans from Istanbul and for this piece we used a Chinese needle embroidery technique and traditional Turkish satin quilting. 

How did you attach the fabric and buttons in Maps? 

I do most of the sewing and attaching buttons myself both on a machine and by hand.

Can you talk through the process of creating a piece?

Making art work is very fluid process. Some of the pieces come from a clear idea. But some of them come through process, something I invent or come across. I’ve been developing my textile maps for the last seven years. I usually start by finding the right material; I need a good story behind the specific fabric. Then I make a 1:1 sketch of map. Later it develops very much like painting, I make a lot of visual decisions. 

I know it’s a hard question but roughly how long does one piece take?

It depends how much craft is needed for the work. Designing a piece usually takes me a few months then the practical works begins. For Soft Landing we worked six to seven months with group of eight people.

Your portfolio is very diverse. Are there any linking themes over the years?

It has been long journey with lots of twists and turns and different interests at different times. But I believe my work is very much about reflecting my life. There is constant search for the ideal land.

Can you give any advice to aspiring textile artists. 

Don’t only look at textiles as a material. There is so much more to it than that. There is a long history and cultural significance. 

What are you most proud of in your career so far? 

Being able to do what I like most in life.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Unfortunately the current Corona situation had changed all my plans for at least for this year. But artists will always find the way to reflect our time. I will keep on finding new ways for creativity.

www.servetkocyigit.net 

https://www.facebook.com/Servet-Kocyigit-Art-325444541300437

https://www.instagram.com/servet.kocyigit