UPDATE: Artist Erhan Tirli has just launched his transformative project, Hatır, at the Town Hall Broadmeadows Gallery in Australia, exploring the urgent theme of cross-cultural belonging. The exhibition, which runs from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM, features collaborative portraits, street photography, and archival images that delve deep into the emotional connections of migration and memory.
Tirli’s project, spanning from 2022 to 2024, captures the essence of belonging beyond singular identities. “Hatır,” translating to “memory” in Turkish, resonates with Tirli on a profound level. He states, “For me, that idea of emotional connection, especially across distance, across time, across countries, is fundamental to the migrant experience.”
This powerful initiative stems from Tirli’s own background; his family migrated to Australia in waves during the 1970s and 1990s, forming a rich tapestry of experiences that shape his artistic vision. He reflects, “I grew up between two worlds… carrying two ways of being, two languages, two sets of values.”
Hatır aims to evoke sentiments that resonate with anyone who has experienced separation from loved ones. Tirli poignantly notes, “Migration always involves a kind of quiet grief for the people, places, and ways of living left behind.” He emphasizes that many migrant communities strive to preserve their cultural heritage, and his project encapsulates “longing, affection, nostalgia, and resilience.”
With an intent to challenge the misconception that identity should be singular, Tirli’s work explores the overlapping spaces of different cultures. “Hatır pushes back against that… the project exists in the space where cultures overlap, contradict, and reinforce one another,” he asserts.
Tirli highlights that today’s younger generations feel more empowered to embrace dual identities. “The negotiation between cultures shapes my photographic process,” he explains. His diverse photographic styles—portraiture, street photography, and still life—reflect the multifaceted nature of cultural identity. “Culture isn’t one-dimensional,” he states, “and using multiple forms of photography lets me reflect that complexity.”
The exhibition not only showcases Tirli’s talent but also invites visitors to engage with their own stories. He aims for audiences to find pieces of themselves in his work, saying, “I hope people see something of themselves, their families, or their histories reflected.”
As the exhibition opens, Tirli encourages community participation, fostering playful and surreal images that challenge stereotypes and reveal the rich narratives of migrant experiences.
What’s Next: With the exhibition in its early days, community engagement is expected to grow, offering a space for dialogue and connection. Visitors are urged to come and immerse themselves in the emotional journey that Hatır presents.
This project is not just art; it is a crucial conversation about identity, memory, and the invisible threads that connect us all. Don’t miss your chance to experience this impactful project firsthand at the Town Hall Broadmeadows Gallery.
