Karagöz Gercekligin Otesinde/Karagöz Beyond Reality

Memis Aslan
Mixed media on canvas, 150 x 120 cm, NFS

The artist imagined how three classic Karagöz characters might appear in a different universe: Hacivat (Karagöz’s constant compatriot), The Dandy, and The Lady. The Dandy is a womanizer living off his father’s wealth. He sometimes hires Hacivat to manage his circuses and coffeehouses. Hacivat, in turn, hires Karagöz as a lowly laborer. In Karagöz plays, women are generally represented by voices coming from their homes. However, here The Lady is depicted as a puppet and The Dandy’s companion. Her costume reflects the fashion of the day.