Hüseyin Arıcı

Do Not Deceived II, 2016, oil on modelling clay, Ø 43 cm

“Aldanma II,” a work that forms part of the “Omurgasızlar” (Invertebrates) series, embodies the core concerns of the series: the systems humanity constructs through lies, its acts of oppression, the lives it devalues, its selfishness, and its dependence on the material world it has itself created. At the same time, “Aldanma II” touches on a more specific point. The leaf represents spring, along with the abundance and nourishment that spring brings. The tiny fruit worms, meanwhile, are all centred around this leaf. Each of these worms represents people who wish to consume the leaf, possess it, or transform it into a place of shelter. As in every work in the series, in this piece too, these fruit worms gather around the centre as a result of the insincere and truth-distorting false discourse of an invertebrate creature. The statement, “I promise you spring… a fresh leaf to shelter in, and a beautiful life with your loved ones…” may at first seem like a hopeful and pleasant promise, yet because it is voiced by an invertebrate bush, it is in fact a complete lie. Abandoning forests full of leaves, they have gathered around this false leaf presented to them and have pursued an empty promise.