Hera Büyüktaşcıyan: Exploring Absence and Memory Through Myth & Multidisciplinary Art

Hera Büyüktaşcıyan (born in 1984 Istanbul) is a Turkish artist whose work delves into profound questions about identity, memory, space, and time—themes intricately interwoven with mythological references and expressed through a diverse range of mediums. Her artistic journey began in Marmara University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Painting Department, where she honed her skills and established a foundational understanding of visual storytelling. From this formative period emerged an artist deeply attuned to the complexities of human experience and committed to confronting challenging concepts like ‘the other.’ Istanbul's rich cultural heritage profoundly shaped Büyüktaşcıyan’s artistic sensibilities. Specifically, the legacies of Byzantium and Ottoman empires instilled in her a fascination with layered narratives and the enduring impact of historical events on contemporary realities. This influence manifests itself in her recurring use of symbolic imagery—fragments of stone juxtaposed against industrial carpets—a deliberate contrast designed to convey the tension between permanence and fragility. Her artistic vision seeks to illuminate how past experiences continue to shape our perceptions of the present, mirroring a broader preoccupation with temporal dimensions. At the core of Büyüktaşcıyan’s artistic practice lies an unwavering focus on absence – the unseen forces that sculpt perception and experience—and the elusive nature of memory. She skillfully employs metaphors drawn from local myths and folklore to illuminate these concepts, crafting artworks that provoke contemplation regarding narrative construction and reconstruction across time. These explorations resonate with a broader interest in psychoanalytic theory and its examination of unconscious processes, informing her artistic approach. Her work consistently investigates how narratives are shaped by unspoken histories and cultural traditions. Büyüktaşcıyan transcends conventional artistic boundaries through her embrace of multidisciplinary techniques—installations, sculptures, drawings, performances, and video art—each serving as a conduit for conveying complex ideas. This multifaceted methodology allows her to engage with diverse sensory experiences and challenge viewers’ preconceived notions about artmaking. Her sculptural pieces often incorporate industrial materials alongside natural elements like stone fragments, symbolizing the dialogue between technological advancement and organic decay. Furthermore, Büyüktaşcıyan's experimental filmmaking utilizes stop motion animation to create immersive narratives that underscore her commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Her artistic recognition has garnered considerable acclaim, culminating in prestigious awards and grants—most notably the Emerging Artist Award from Young Turkish Artists Platform in 2010. Büyüktaşcıyan’s exhibitions span both Turkey and internationally, showcasing her distinctive vision to audiences worldwide. Key milestones include participation in the New Museum Triennial (2021), Kosovo’s 3rd Autostrada Biennial (2021), London’s British Museum (2021); *On Stones and Palimpsests*, Dubai’s Green Art Gallery (2020); Lahore Biennial 02, Pakistan (2020); Singapore Biennial (2019); IFA Galerie, Berlin (2019); Armenia's national pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2015); and *The Jerusalem Show VII*, Jerusalem (2014). The Toronto Biennial awarded her the Emerging Artist Prize in 2019. Her recent projects include “Reveries of an Underground Forest,” an installation exploring the hidden histories embedded within urban landscapes—specifically referencing Toronto's buried forests and their connection to cultural memory. This piece utilizes rolled carpets adorned with burn patterns inspired by ethnic motifs, reflecting Büyüktaşcıyan’s fascination with layering narratives and confronting societal divisions. Her collaborative performance with musician Keerat Kaur delves into Punjabi Folk Music traditions, furthering her exploration of sonic landscapes as conduits for conveying emotional resonance.