Irfan Onurmen

Colour: The colours are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration, although the tulle layers are more visible in real. The pink tones are more subdued in the actual work. There are two figures at the centre of the work, the one on the left has a blue, pink and white dress and the one on the right has a red and white striped shirt. The top centre strip tends more towards gold. Condition: This work is in excellent condition, the Plexiglas box-frame has minor abrasion to the surface.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Irfan Onurmen is conceivably one of the most creative artists on Turkey's contemporary scene, his choice of material and modes of representation place him within a highly individualistic framework. Trained as a painter, the artist also works with papier-mâché and net, or tulle as he refers to the material. Utilising these mundane fabrics, Onurmen makes eloquent commentaries on both the international - such as the prominent references to the Gulf war in his newspaper work lot 18 in this sale - and the local.

In these his tulle works, Onurmen focuses more on the layers intrinsic to Turkish society; its intrigue, gossip and scandal. Here is the artistic interpretation of gecmis -mis'li zaman, the specific grammatical term for hearsay with its own declination. This uniquely Turkish tense is physically incarnate within layers of tulle that produce a singular sense of voyeurism and surveillance in this hazy city-scape.