Arzu Ozkal, Performance for a single audience, video still

Turkish, b. 1976, playing from San Diego, CA, USA

Arzu Ozkal's practice can be grouped under the interpretation of body and its relationship to the environment. She makes attempts to emancipate the body from social and cultural norms and suggest ways to distance one from the limits imposed on the society by totalitarian establishments; Question dogmas, traditions, laws, and patriarchal value systems through videos, public interventions and performances.

Ozkal is a Turkish born media artist and designer. She received her MFA from the Department of Visual Studies at University at Buffalo, SUNY and BFA in Graphic Design from Bilkent University. She has exhibited broadly in exhibitions and festivals across the US and in many countries including Germany, Spain, France, Russia, and Turkey.

She serves as Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at SDSU School of Art and Design, where she teaches, organizes events, and contributes to curriculum development in the Art Department.

Thoughts on the Telephone process

The work I received made me think of a massive environment and a glorious self. Initially, I was going to do another piece as response to Damien Hirst’s diamond skull imagery used in the work.

I went to a department store to try some sparkly dresses, and noticed the small sign by the mirror. “Fitting rooms are monitored by same-gender personnel.” So, I changed my mind and decided to do a performance piece for this person.”

I really enjoyed the project.