Olgaç Bozalp – Arada

The photo series Arada (Turkish for in between) is a spontaneous representation of Olgaç Bozalp (1987, Konya, Turkey, but living in London) and his mother's recent trip to Japan. It reflects the space his mother occupies or rather the lack of space of her own.

Olgaç Bozalp's most famous photo series is without a doubt Dad: on his search for Hüseyin. For this he traveled with his father along the more than 2000 km long Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Along the way, Olgaç and Hüseyin came up with poses and compositions for photos that are a cross between travelogue (a cartoon about travelling), documentary and family snapshots. Hüseyin's dream of becoming an entertainer became a reality by becoming his son's muse.

However, Olgac was increasingly asked where his mother was. Why had he never photographed her? His mother Ülkü's talent for staying in the background had prevented her son from seeing her as a main character in one of his series. Facilitating her family and blending into her environment became part of her existence.

While Olgaç's father called photography a hobby, it was his mother who encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Maybe because she couldn't. Her father forbade her to go to university. Instead, she got married and devoted herself to her family. She is a reflection of her generation at a time when women had few opportunities to be independent.

The solo exhibition Arada by Olgaç Bozalp ties in with the theme exhibition Female Turkish Pioneers in which the first and second generation of Turkish women Haarlem tell their story.

Sep 22, 2023 – Jan 21, 2024