10 Questions with Orkan Tan

Orkan Tan, born in 1993 in Geislingen an der Steige and currently residing in Stuttgart, Germany, is an educator with a focus on art in a kindergarten who has already embarked on an extraordinary and expressive journey. His diverse experiences span from roles in retail to positions within the dance and fashion worlds. Yet, art has always been his constant companion – a source of self-discovery and a bridge to the world around him.

Orkan Tan's works are deeply rooted in personal experience, offering viewers an unfiltered glimpse into his soul. Even the titles of his pieces reflect a profound dimension, where painting serves not only as a means of creative expression but also as a path toward inner healing. In his work, he delves into his own experiences while addressing themes that, from the perspective of a white, heterosexual man, are often difficult to grasp. His art challenges societal norms, embracing the self, which has shaped him into the unique individual he is today.

At first glance, Orkan's abstract paintings may unsettle the viewer with their dark atmosphere, gaping mouths, provocative figures, sprawling limbs, and apparent chaos. Rarely are spectators confronted so directly with the content of the work. However, those who engage with his art will discover glimmers of hope, reflections, and light behind the shadows. Orkan Tan consistently strives in his art to break free from societal conventions and external constraints. He uses art not only as a vehicle for expressing his own emotions and experiences but also as a medium to explore profound questions about identity and social change. His works invite reflection on personal beliefs and societal standards, while also exploring the spiritual aura that pervades his artistic expression.

In addition to painting, Orkan works with various media, including photography, scanning techniques, and other innovative forms of artistic creation. He also incorporates written expression into his practice, using poetry as another way to weave his personal narrative into his art.

Orkan's creativity is not limited to traditional visual media. Through pole dance, belly dance, live art painting, and video art in the form of short films, he continually pushes the boundaries of expression. His latest short art film, "PARANOIA", which he produced entirely on his own during the quarantine period, was exclusively featured in an interview in the international SCHÖN! Magazine. Additionally, in 2023, Orkan Tan enjoyed his first solo exhibition at an art gallery in Cologne under the distinctive title "I HOPE WE HEAL FROM THINGS WE DON'T TALK ABOUT."

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INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and when did you first get interested in art?

My name is Orkan Tan. I am 30 years young, and I currently live in Stuttgart, Germany. I am an artist and a full-time educator in a kindergarten, focusing specifically on the arts and helping children develop their creativity. My interest in art first began through fashion. As a teenager, I wanted to create a collection of shirts with unique and nice prints, which I started to make on my own. Before creating the prints, I painted a lot as a child, often drawing humans and faces in different shapes and forms. Unfortunately, no one recognized my potential or supported me, so I didn't have the chance to develop my skills in painting and arts. This is why my job in the kindergarten is really important to me; I can give the kids the support and the recognition I needed back then. The only positive aspect of not being recognized as a child was that I turned to hip-hop dancing as a form of expression before I wanted to start creating fashion and those unique printed shirts.

Can you tell us about your journey from working in retail, dance, and fashion to becoming a full-time artist? How did those experiences shape your artistic practice?

I always looked for a safe space and a way to express my creativity but couldn't find a satisfying area, which is why I tried so many different things. I revisit some of the tasks I learned in the past, but mostly, the experiences in different areas have shaped who I am as an artist today. The people, the lessons, the dialogues, the highs and the lows, and most importantly, the personal growth I gained from these experiences have all influenced my artistic journey and mindset. Each experience has taught me something valuable and has pushed me to think outside the box. I believe that every step I've taken has contributed to my unique perspective as an artist. This journey continues to inspire me to explore new ideas and mediums.

Your art delves into personal experiences and emotions. What inspires you to explore such deeply personal themes in your work?

I believe that art is most powerful when it's authentic, and by incorporating my personal experiences and emotions, I create a deeper connection with the people. For me, art is also a form of self-reflection and healing – it allows me to process complex emotions and perhaps give a voice to others who have gone through similar experiences, whether positive or negative. While my work is very personal, I believe many of these experiences are universal. By telling my own story through my art and creativity, I hope to convey themes like mental health, fairness, all kinds of emotions, anxiety, spirituality, sexuality, light or hope in a way that resonates with many people. These deeply personal themes are an endless source of inspiration and provide me with the greatest creative freedom.

Many of your paintings have a dark, unsettling atmosphere. What do you hope viewers take away from your art when engaging with it?

Those who engage with my art will discover glimpses of hope, self-reflection, and light within the atmosphere. I strive to break free from societal conventions and external constraints. Art serves as a vehicle for expressing my emotions and experiences while exploring profound questions of identity and social change. My pieces encourage reflection on personal beliefs and societal standards, delving into the spiritual essence of my expression. I aim to inspire viewers to see things from new perspectives while providing a frame for open interpretation. I intentionally use the word 'frame' to guide the audience's imagination through the titles of my works. This is why I don't have untitled pieces; the titles offer a sense of direction. My approach reflects my work in the kindergarten, where I create a frame for children to explore their creativity and daily routines independently. In the end, it's me who sets this frame. I've learned the importance of establishing boundaries—not just professionally but also personally, to support my mental health. My art invites self-reflection on complex topics that often remain unspoken, encouraging viewers to engage with these themes in a meaningful and complex way.

You've described your work as a path toward inner healing. How has painting helped you heal, and how do you think your art might contribute to others' healing?

Even the process of creating a painting serves as a form of self-therapy for me. While painting, I am fully present in the moment, without thinking about the future or the past. It feels like a spiritual journey rooted in mindfulness. Time and space seem to disappear, and I enter a meditative state, allowing my inner child to express emotions that it wasn't allowed to feel back then. That's also why I prefer to paint when I'm alone, accompanied only by music and the absence of anyone else. With pure energy flowing and jazz music or female rap playing in the background, I find myself and the painting seeking balance. Through my art and the insights that viewers gain, I create mental space for them to reflect on the themes I explore. When the viewer questions themselves while looking at my art, pondering inquiries such as, 'Why do I think this way, and where does this pattern come from?' or 'Why did this make me feel this way, and what emotions are involved?' I know I have already made an impact, providing a platform for greater awareness. These reflections are very valuable and important to me as an artist. I move something, you know? Even if it's just a thought process of someone I don't even know. The title of my last solo exhibition, "I hope we heal from things we don't talk about," is a good example. It was an opportunity for viewers to see, feel, and become aware of their own emotions and the patterns we develop in childhood but don't talk about.

In your pieces, you address themes that can be difficult to grasp from your perspective as a white, heterosexual man. How do you navigate this challenge in your art?

As a Turkish artist who identifies within the LGBTQ+ community, I embrace my identity and the complexities that come with it. My background allows me to explore themes of diversity, acceptance, and the nuances of different cultures. While I acknowledge the privileges I have in my life, my experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community shape my understanding of issues related to identity and societal norms. My appearance, whether bold or subtle, reflects my journey and the layers of my identity, allowing me to engage with difficult themes in a way that feels authentic to me. I also feelthat many people struggle to categorize me, which enables me to explore a wide range of themes and 'play' with them.Should I be placed in the LGBTQ+ box? The Turkish 'bad guy' box with a beard and tattoos? The feminine guy or the educated and intelligent kindergarten art teacher box? I am very versatile, and I appreciate that people often find it hard to label me, which can be quite noticeable at times. This situation serves as a reminder of how we collectively tend to conform to certain patterns and structures, and I am definitely here to break those patterns—both through my art and simply by being myself.

Besides painting, you also work with various media like photography, scanning techniques, and video art. How does each medium help you convey different aspects of your message?

I have always enjoyed working with different photographers to share my ideas and creativity or simply to have fun with visual storytelling. However, there were many situations where I encountered creative differences, which led me to teach myself how to shoot and photograph myself in a way that accurately captures how I envision my identity. This not onlyallows me to bring my visions to life exactly as I imagine them, but through the selection process, I also train myself to make quicker decisions—something I struggle with as a Libra. I enjoy the preparations, taking photos with a self-timer, selecting images, and even creating artworks and cohesive series from them as part of my creative ritual. Scanning is something I discovered a few years ago. I have always been fascinated by MRI scans, which captivated my artistic soul. I used old MRI scans of my knee and brain to create different art series. Since MRI machines are not always accessible, I turned to regular scanners to capture various parts of my body, and the results were nothing short of extraordinary. I use scanners as an artistic medium because they transform anatomical forms into something truly unique. The scanning process adds subtle distortions, like tiny shifts in texture or light, that individualize the subject. These imperfections unveil the unseen, making each piece special and turning simple scans into one-of-a-kind artworks. I love how the machine and the access to electricity add their own touch, creating something distinctive before I layer more elements on top. In video art, I am particularly obsessed with the editing process. There is no music video I've watched where I haven't edited something differently in my mind. I appreciate it when there is a common thread and hidden messages within the scenes. Through editing, I can tell the story I want to convey, bring forth the message, and share the information I wish to communicate. Additionally, the sound and music I choose in video art serve to express specific feelings, whether it's a Turkish instrument called "Darbuka" or particular frequencies for breathing exercises. Through video art, I also have the opportunity to revisit my dancing skills, using body movements to express myself. This is how each medium helps me convey different aspects of my message.

How does your creative process change based on the media you are using? Do you find any common threads or recurring elements?

It depends on the artwork I want to create. Sometimes, the different mediums blend together, and I create a single piece that incorporates them all. Video art is particularly where I can connect all these mediums seamlessly. The common thread throughout my work is my distinct artistic handwriting, which is always present. Regardless of the medium I use, there's a clear sense of consistency that gives my art depth and value. Whether it's digital or physical, my approach remains the same, ensuring that each piece resonates with my unique identity as an artist.

Looking ahead, what themes or stories are you excited to explore in your future projects?

Most importantly, I will be in an evolving process throughout my whole life, which is incredible. It means I'll constantly experience new things and keep learning just by existing as a human being. To bring it all together, I'll channel my creativity into my art, processing the experiences and events that life brings. This will happen naturally, as I was born to create. Currently, I am working on a poetry art book with over 100 poems that I have written in recent years and artistically designed. For this, I am still looking for the right publisher to release my most personal work, which is incredibly important to me. And, of course, the title for my poetry art book has already been decided for some time. Additionally, my work in the kindergarten has inspired me through the joyful personalities of children, which motivated me to create my first colorful art series. I usually paint in black, white, silver, and gray tones to focus on the essentials, as colors can quickly confuse me and throw me off balance. I feel that my childhood was marked by a chaotic environment, especially in the room where I lived with my two older sisters, which is why I use clear colors to somehow heal my inner child. My first colorful series is called "Kindheitsträume," which means "Childhood Dreams" in German, and I plan to release it in the near future. I created the series both digitally and physically, and I am nervous about breaking out of my comfort zone with it. In the future, I want to feel comfortable with the feeling of being uncomfortable and step further outside of my comfort zone. I am also currently gathering ideas for my next art film, which I am very much lookingforward to. I want to delve deeper into my heritage, my family tree, my sexuality, my body, my daily life, and my consumption, and break the structures and patterns I was programmed with as a child, using all possible mediums that I want to explore.

And lastly, where do you see yourself and your work five years from now?

In five years, I will have explored various artistic mediums to fully unleash my creativity. I will have multiple solo exhibitions and a balanced life, with a workday free of a boss, surrounding myself only with people who are my equals and genuinely want the best for me. I will have a large studio where I can create large paintings, shoot video art, and collaborate on art projects with my seven-year-old niece that we come up with together. In the future, I will be my ownboss and can freely shape my daily life with my artistic activities and support myself financially. I will find my art in various industries and realize interesting, innovative collaborations with different brands, publish several art books, use my art in an album artwork from a musician, maybe finish the shirt collections with prints on it as merch, and creatively expand without limits - Everything from now in five years or maybe next lifetime.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.