Kerem Ozan Bayraktar's 'Spirits on the Ground' at Diana New York explores artificial life and environmental decay.

At Diana New York, Kerem Ozan Bayraktar's installation 'Spirits on the Ground' showcases a post-apocalyptic environment that fuses artificial and natural components. Curated by Ulya Soley and organized by Sanatorium from Istanbul, this marks Bayraktar's inaugural solo exhibition in the U.S. The display includes walls and floors draped in plastic sheeting, alongside photographs of flooded areas and debris. Synthetic ecosystems are formed by artificial vines and plastic plants, while miniature landscapes are created using buckets and bags. Screens powered by discarded batteries and electronic parts exhibit glitchy animations of toy figures. The installation critiques the commercialization of natural resources, highlighted by empty water cups from Hamidiye Su. The exhibition runs until 30 March, addressing issues of environmental toxicity and consumer waste. Previously, Bayraktar showcased 'Ghost Gardens' at the Tokyo Biennale 2023 with Buşra Tunç and presented an earlier version at SAHA Studio in Istanbul in 2020. Diana New York is located in the former space of Fierman gallery, managed by partners including Nadine Knotzer, Kourosh Nouri, Sarah Macaulay, and David Fierman.