Artwork by Deniz Sagdic. All ethnicities find a place in Deniz Sagdic's work.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Rixos Premium Dubai is currently collaborating with Turkish artist Deniz Sagdic, for an art exhibition (Ready-Remade, June 15 – Aug. 15). Taking place in the hotel lobby, the exhibition showcases works from Sagdic, who has previously presented her work in such recognised public spaces such as Milan, London, and Hong Kong. Known for using waste material to create her masterpieces, Sagdic’s style aligns with Rixos Premium Dubai’s ethos and commitment to sustainability, says the hotel major. Hailing from Mersin, Turkey, Sagdic began her art education at Mersin University Faculty of Fine Arts in 1999, graduating in 2003. Since then, she has featured in many international and national projects, gaining acclaim across the globe for her inventive artistic creations and out of the box thinking.

“Bringing my talents to Dubai and to the high calibre Rixos Premium Dubai particularly, is an exciting step for me, as the city is a hub for creative expression and individualism,” says Sagdic. Her signature style and her artistically innovative use of waste material, besides being a visual delight, is a thought-provoking experience for visitors; they will be nudged to reflect on the issues of recycling and reuse. Known for using recycled materials, Sagdic’s work is designed not only to be aesthetically pleasing, but also to promote sustainability. 

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She does this by bringing a new perspective to environmentally friendly approaches, by evaluating all kinds of human-made wastes. The artworks on show consists of 14 pieces, mounted on seven specially designed stands. They are an amalgam of classical techniques and conceptualism. Through her Ready-ReMade project, Sagdic tries to breathe new life into everyday objects that would otherwise be discarded. She detaches objects from their physical functions, giving them new functions.

As a firm believer in sustainability, Sagdic uses her artwork as a medium to prompt viewers to contemplate their consumption patterns. Human faces feature prominently in the artwork; the artist believes that they possess the power to communicate emotions and thoughts effectively and straight on.

 Artwork by Deniz Sagdic.

By combining waste materials with human faces, her aim is to remind us of our liveability on the planet. She challenges societal ideas of consumption by using “waste-worthy” materials such as plastic containers, bags, buttons of varied colours, paper pieces, cables and discarded batteries, to make scintillating art. She repurposes what people have judged as not fit for use, into profoundly moving pieces of art. What were once considered of little value, becomes elevated onto a high platform by the artist.

“Every new material,” she has said in an interview, “is a challenge for me, actually a challenge to myself as an artist. When I am planning to use a particular ‘waste material’ in my artworks, I hold this material in my hand and watch it for days. Then I experiment with that material, cut it, bend it, or try to glue it or reform it in disruptive ways. Through this process I try to get to know that material; it begins to whisper in my ear, what I can do with it. Then my cooperation with that material begins. I give life to it, but this time in the form of an artwork.”

All ethnicities find a place in her art. The reason is not far to find. “The problems of nature,” she says, “are not only the problems of certain countries or societies, but is a problem that concerns the whole world and all societies.” Onur Saylan, Consul General, Turkish Consulate General in Dubai, who was Chief Guest at the inaugural, said that he had been following Sagdic’s work for some time. “It has been a pleasure for me to witness her “change and continuity” in terms of forms, materials and subjects through the last decade,” he said.

  Deniz Sagdic blends classical techniques and conceptual art.

However with the “Ready Re-made” series and other exhibitions, she has created a revolution not only in her career, but also in the Turkish art, he added. “Using “waste materials” to create portraits from all over the world is in fact a reminder for all of us about what human is and her art is a beacon of hope for a sustainable and zero-waste world,” he said. “I congratulate Rixos Hotels for hosting this exhibition in Dubai, as it is very much in compliance with the “zeitgeist” or “spirit of the time” as Dubai will be hosting COP28 Summit, which aims at sustainability and zero-waste as key themes,” he concluded.

With the exhibition, Rixos Premium Dubai has added its point of view to the necessity for sustainability. “The hotel lobby has been transformed into a gallery that invites visitors to explore the depths of Deniz’s creative mind and (allows people to) reflect on their own relationship with the environment,” it says. “Head over to Rixos Premium Dubai for an incredible art experience and witness the fusion of creativity and sustainability.” Established in 2000, Rixos is one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury hotel chains. At the heart of every Rixos Hotel & Resort is a wellness spa with an authentic Turkish Hammam, quite well known for its spa rituals. Rixos Hotels currently operates five hotels in the United Arab Emirates: Rixos Premium Dubai in JBR Dubai; Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites in Palm Jumeirah Dubai; Rixos Bab Al Bahr in Ras Al Khaimah; Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi and Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi.