Başak Doğa Temür on Curating Nilbar Güreş's Venice Biennale Pavilion

Curator Başak Doğa Temür, who spent a decade at Arter (2010–2020), discusses her role in Nilbar Güreş's exhibition "A Kiss on the Eyes" for the Türkiye Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale. Temür describes the project as a supporting role, with the artist taking the spotlight. Güreş, a Turkish artist of Kurdish Alevi background, divides her time between Istanbul, Naples, and Vienna. Her practice addresses Islamophobia, racism, and LGBTQ+ themes. The exhibition marks a shift toward three-dimensional works, including sculptures and installations using knitting, textiles, and copper. Temür notes the pavilion participated in Art Not Genocide Alliance (ANGA) protests and a 24-hour strike, closing the pavilion and hanging flags. The title "A Kiss on the Eyes" (Turkish: Gözlerinizden öperim) is a traditional phrase expressing affection and respect, while also reversing the expectation that artists must explain their origins. The exhibition questions national identity and how identities are negotiated across borders.