Rhetorical Violence, 2023
Illustrations, Red Ink on Paper
30 x 84 cm, 8 Pieces
Diren Demir
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“Rhetorical Violence” work documents the soundwaves of the dictator Erdogan’s public hate speeches and humiliations. People in Turkey had to be exposed to the physical, mental and economical violence of the 21 years of dictatorship. We witnessed a so-called president calling the people “SLUTS!” (June 2022), “IDIOTS!” (April 2017), “YOU ARE NOT AN ARTIST YOU ARE A GARBAGE!” (December 2018), “MARAUDERS!” (July 2013) and so on… “Rhetorical Violence” series questions and discusses the dynamic of looking down on the public from a corruptly acquired podium and the unethical, narcissistic stance of power. The series also aims to make visible the cliche rhetoric tone and discriminatory language of the dictatorship that he used targeting minority groups.
Diren Demir 