Meet Lal Batman, a rising star for your radar
The Turkish artist on upcoming shows, Istanbul hotspots and names to know
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I first met Lal shortly after moving to Istanbul in 2021. After connecting on Instagram, we went out to lunch and got on like a house on fire. She’s smart, sassy and a bold and brilliant artist that confronts the nuanced complexities of everyday life, notably the ways in which digital platforms drive socio-cultural change.
Since then, her career’s gone from strength to strength. She’s only 21, but she’s already participated in fairs and symposiums around the world and enjoyed group and solo shows at Anna Laudel gallery in Istanbul. Earlier this month, she had her first solo presentation at Zona Maco, Latin America’s largest art fair. Not only was she was the youngest artist represented but her booth was nominated by Artnews as one of the best at the fair! Put simply, she’s one to watch.
I caught up with Lal right after the fair to chat all things art in Istanbul & beyond. I hope you enjoy meeting one of Turkey’s most promising young artists. Lmk Xx
Hi Lal. Congratulations on your knockout solo presentation at Zona Maco in Mexico City. How did it feel to show works at Latin America’s largest art fair?
It was amazing and we had so many good reviews — I always feel super satisfied when I’ve had connection and dialogue with audiences. My presentation with Anna Laudel gallery was in the Sur section, which was curated by Luiza Teixeira de Freitas. This year’s theme was the feminine, female embodiment and empowerment.
I prepared a special selection for the fair, which included oil paintings, installations and interactive works made with digital and plastic art materials. It built on my previous exhibitions Exposé and Antract and explored our desire to constantly expose, reveal, watch (and be watched), follow (and be followed).
Which was your favourite work on display?
It has to be my ninja blade installation (above), which is called Their Words Sharp As Knives. It features 72 different blades with sarcastic and ironic messages such as ‘The words which hurts me, which hurts you’. I hope it makes people think.
What inspires your work?
I’m inspired by lots of different disciplines, movements and practices as well as contemporary visual culture like social media. I always try to be open and push myself to try new things and find new versions of myself.
Creating a dialogue between the audience and the art is also very important to me. That’s why I try to create spaces and works which can make the audience interact in different ways. With this experimental mind, I truly believe that I can make my storytelling more powerful.
Why is Istanbul a great place to be a young artist?
Istanbul is such a beautiful, inspiring city with so much history. But it’s also super challenging and chaotic — this is what keeps me dynamic and makes me brave. Challenge keeps us in the game.
Tell me about your studio
My studio is in a historic building in Çağlayan on the European side of Istanbul. It is a very private space where I feel free to experiment. I usually work late at night when people are sleeping. I like to listen to music while I’m working. It feels like a meditation. When I start to work, time stops. My studio is where I’m happiest.
Which other young Turkish artists should I look out for?
There are so many but I love Can Yıldırım, Eymen Aktel and Ece Ağırtmış. Check out their work on Instagram.
Which are you favourite arty places in Istanbul?
I love walking along Istiklal street and looking at all the magnificent details on the old historical buildings. I also love going to the Istanbul Archaeology Museums. But my favourite museum has always been the Istanbul Modern — I can’t wait for it to reopen later this year.
I would also recommend visiting some of the city’s contemporary art galleries, including Anna Laudel, Ambidexter Gallery, Sanatorium and Dirimart. They represent a mix of exciting Turkish and international artists working now.
Tell me your favourite address in Istanbul
Karaköy Lokantası. The Turkish meze is delicious.
What’s next?
I’m super excited to be showing works with Anna Laudel at Art Karlsruhe (4-7 May) in Germany. I’ll also be exhibiting at local Turkish fairs in between. In the autumn, I’m having a solo show at Anna Laudel in Düsseldorf so I’m currently focusing on making new work for this. The pace is intense but I’m ready for it!
What is the best thing about being an artist?
I can be free.
You can follow Lal on Instagram for exhibition news, fair announcements and new work — watch this space!