Hayv Kahraman reflects on the virtues of autodidacticism, how you need to think carefully about what battles to take on and why it’s often just right to go with the flow
Was there a particular moment when you realised that you wanted to pursue a career in art?
Hayv Kahraman: Although I was encouraged to harness my creativity in school, there was still an underlying assumption, propagated by my teachers, that a career in art would not be a valuable endeavour, or even a realistic one for that matter. I could study to be a designer (which is the path I actually took), but aspiring to be a fine artist was sort of like a dream and something that you were expected to do in your free time rather than as your profession.
So how did you and art actually meet?
In my childhood and early adulthood, I always used art, specifically painting, as an outlet for communication. The realisation that I could actually make a living as an artist came much, much later. I’m incredibly grateful that I can do what I love and still provide for myself and my family.
So you never actually studied art formally?
No! I’m an autodidact and am also very appreciative of that position, because I fear that had I pursued art in academia, my work would most likely not be what it is today. That’s not to say that art school isn’t a good choice (it is for many people!), but I think for me in particular, it would have changed a lot.
When and what was your first show?
My first exhibition was a group show at my current gallery, The Third Line, back in 2006. This was the beginning of everything.
What challenges have you faced so far?
The full answer to this question would certainly be far too long for the time and space we have here! Every day there’s a challenge, some bigger and more profound than others. So I’ve dealt with them in a similar way to my parenting: “You gotta choose your battles”. Some things are important and others are not worth your time. So, the biggest challenge for me has been to know when to speak up and when to keep quiet.
How has your practice changed over the years?
I work in series and it is interesting to look back and see the evolution of the work and its corollary with my life and political events. It’s always a very fluid transition from one body of work to another and I’ve found throughout the years that the key is to not force ideas.Much better to let things unfold without pushing too much.
What are you working on now?
I’m in the process of moving studios at the moment, so I’m in a sort of a transitional state, not just because of the physical move but I’m also in between bodies of work. It’s often a precarious place to be, but this is when the ‘flow’ happens, a sort of embodied attunement with what the universe brings.
Any words of advice for emerging artists?
Work hard and don’t let anybody sway you in your beliefs.
From the September/October 2022 issue of Canvas Magazine. A digital copy may be purchased here.
