German artist Cemile Sahin has been awarded the Circa Prize 2023, which includes a trophy designed by Ai Weiwei. Sahin’s winning artwork explores the theme of hope by telling stories inspired by the Kurdish community in Turkey, particularly those affected by a dam project.
Sahin delved into her personal family records to explore the theme of hope for this year’s Circa Prize. Combining media including film, literature, sculpture and photography, the German artist created a fictional narrative entitled Four Ballads for my Father – Spring. The story centres on a Kurdish family divided between Paris and Istanbul, whose lives are profoundly affected by the South East Anatolia Project, a dam construction project that has devastated communities in the Kurdish regions of Turkey.
Four Ballads for my Father – Spring, 2022
Digital video, duration: 43:40 min
Courtesy of ESTHER SCHIPPER
Four Ballads for my Father – Spring, 2022
Digital video, duration: 43:40 min
Courtesy of ESTHER SCHIPPER
Four Ballads for my Father – Spring, 2022
Digital video, duration: 43:40 min
Courtesy of ESTHER SCHIPPER
Featured photography courtesy of CIRCA
