Azmi Mert Erdem
Azmi Mert Erdem is a Turkish multidisciplinary artist, interweaving video, photography, performance, painting and installation in his work. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Television with honors from Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey. He continued his education in the One Year Filmmaking Program at the New York Film Academy, in New York City. In both Turkey and the United States, Mert has worked as a director, assistant director and cinematographer in several television series, music videos, and feature and short film productions. He has written and directed award winning short films featured in international film festivals. Additionally, Mert has collaborated as a video artist in siteA?specific performance, video and installation pieces in international platforms.
Mert is the founder of Mise en Abyme Productions, an international video production company for art organizations and companies as well as individual artists. He continues working as a videographer as well as experimenting with various mediums and disciplines in his projects.
Transient Exposures is an exploration of peoplea??s psyches through photography and movement. In the session, the participant and the photographer:
a?? Meet one on one in an previously designated space
a?? Participant explores and meditates on a topic of choice with the photographer
a?? Participant moves in the space in front of the camera as long as he/she/they wants
a?? Participant sheds from his/her/their clothes as much as they want
a?? Reflect back on the experience for completion
Participants are invited to bring a stimulus related to their topic of choice to be explored, such as an object, a piece of writing, or music. Topics can vary widely from personal to universal. The conversation aims to create a safe space for freedom of expression and confidentiality. The following silent listening meditation focuses on being present to the moment and the impulses that may arise.
Subsequently, the second stage welcomes the subject to move with their present impulses and strip from clothes as he/she chooses within an unrestricted time period in front of the camera. During this period, a series of longA?exposure photographs are taken with the available light resources of the space. Participants are welcome to conclude their experience and movements any time. It is possible that there may not be any photographs produced at the end; it will be a surprise for both the participant and the photographer.
