| 
Turner Prize-nominated artist and film-maker Kutlug
Ataman spent a year exploring KÜBA,
an area of makeshift hut dwellings made of cheap materials,
scrap metal and soil, squeezed in the midst of Istanbul’s
low-income suburban blocks. KÜBA
is home to non-conformists of diverse ethnicity, religion
and political persuasion, united in their defiant resistance
of state control. Despite the extreme poverty of their
surroundings, the residents of KÜBA
are bound by a web of community values that embrace personal
freedom and mutual tolerance. A thief from KÜBA
will never steal from his neighbours nor will a murderer
harm them. Children are precious and valued, food is common
property and a family will not be allowed to go without.
Through the stories of each resident, visitors can build
a picture of KÜBA both as a place,
and a state of mind. For living in KÜBA
– above all else – defines each inhabitant’s
sense of identity, regardless of background or belief.
If you’re from KÜBA, then
that is enough.
KÜBA first appeared in Pittsburgh
in 2004, winning the prestigious Carnegie Prize. Having
since travelled to Germany, Australia, Austria, Belgium
and within the UK, its global journey concludes in Southampton.
KÜBA is the first exhibition to
take place in Southampton’s former Magistrates’
Courts, which have remained mostly closed to the public
since the 1990s. The Courts are part of the Grade II Listed
Civic Centre, built between 1930 and 1936. All original
court furniture is utilised within the exhibition.
All films are subtitled in English.
EXHIBITION TOUR
Saturday 10 Feburary 2007 / 2pm
Join Adrian Hunt, Exhibitions & Marketing
Co-ordinator, John Hansard Gallery for a forty
minute guided tour of the exhibition. A great opportunity
to discover more about the artist, the project and its
unique courtroom setting.
KÜBA was commissioned and produced
by Artangel,
organised in partnership with the John Hansard
Gallery, University of Southampton. Supported
by Southampton
City Council.
Visit www.kuba.org.uk
for more information. |
