ISTANBUL.- Galeri 77 is hosting emerging talent Roman Kakoyan’s first solo exhibition, Form s Space. Deeply committed to the idea of creating physical spaces that can be directly experienced, Kakoyan presents a collection of thought-provoking and emotionally evocative works that blend imagination with reality. The exhibition focuses on the artist’s hybrid spaces, where the boundaries between the real and the unreal blur seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that is both unsettling and contemplative rather than bleak.
Drawing from his recent interest in psychology, Kakoyan explores the concept of cognitive dissonance, the internal discomfort experienced when confronted with conflicting thoughts, beliefs, or perceptions. Through spatial tensions in his compositions, the dynamic interplay of light and shadow, and the ambiguity between interior and exterior spaces, the exhibition elicits emotional responses from viewers. While the depicted spaces appear familiar and secure, their abandoned quality raises an unsettling question: Are these places real, or are they merely mental constructs? Showcasing Kakoyan’s artistic evolution since 2020, the exhibition highlights his striking shift towards a more minimal and abstract approach, free from narrative constraints. Visitors are invited to explore Form s Space at Galeri 77’s Karaköy venue from March 27 to May 3.
Art has long explored the dynamic relationship between space and memory, treating architectural structures not merely as physical frameworks but also as emotional and intellectual domains. Roman Kakoyan’s paintings emerge as a contemporary interpretation of this tradition. In his works, space ceases to be a defined area and instead transforms into an ambiguous, timeless narrative platform open to the viewer.
By balancing light and shadow, Kakoyan creates an atmospheric depth in his paintings, drawing the viewer into the space through expansive windows, sharp perspective lines, and architectural elements. However, these are not mere scenes composed of architectural components; rather, they are imbued with a sense of mental emptiness. His composition, devoid of figures, carries traces of the past while evoking an elusive emotional state. To understand Kakoyan’s artistic practice, three key aspects come to the forefront: the conceptual use of space and architecture, the psychological impact of light and shadow, and the evocative atmosphere created by the absence of human figures.
In Kakoyan’s paintings, space is not just a physical construct but a metaphor where the inner and outer worlds converge. Columns, partition walls, and windows do not serve as elements of a realistic architectural depiction but instead act as independent components that construct narratives. Windows, in particular, function as transitional points connecting interior and exterior realms. However, this boundary confronts the viewer with uncertainty, rendering the outside world as an abstract void. This approach imbues his paintings with a sense of solitude and silence, not in a melancholic manner but in a contemplative, serene way. Kakoyan’s spaces become places where human presence is felt yet remains physically absent.
One of the most defining aspects that deepens this atmosphere is the artist’s relationship with light and shadow. Kakoyan employs these elements not merely in a formal sense but as metaphors that reveal the soul of the space. Light becomes visible only through shadow, shaping the depth of the environment. In his recent works, the light appears softer, while the shadows emphasize the texture of the space, enhancing its sensory impact.
Similarly, Kakoyan’s figureless compositions redefine the viewer’s engagement with space. The absence of the human figure renders the settings timeless and ambiguous, offering the viewer an open-ended narrative. Having worked in abandoned industrial buildings at different points in his life, Kakoyan has absorbed their silence, which resonates throughout his work. His paintings do not isolate the viewer; instead, they invite them to confront space and expand their perception.
Roman Kakoyan’s first solo exhibition at Galeri 77 is not merely a milestone in his artistic journey but also a reflection of his ongoing explorations. Since 2020, his work has undergone a transformation, moving away from explicit narratives toward an increasingly minimal and abstract approach.
Kakoyan’s paintings are scenes that resist time, infused with silence and emptiness, yet profoundly thought-provoking. His works act as windows opening onto a world that is at once familiar and abstract. Each piece leaves behind silent yet resonant echoes, allowing the viewer to construct their own meanings beyond time and space.
