Performance artist to dedicate himself to 48-hour-long act in Istanbul

Founded by Simge Burhanoğlu in 2016, "Perform Istanbul," Turkey's first international performance arts platform, will host Ata Doğruel's latest performance, "Endless Field," at 10 a.m. on Feb. 19.

Doğruel's performance, which will continue for 48 hours straight, aims to open a new chapter in Turkey's performance art scene.

The performance, "Endless Field," explores how to stop communicating with the outer world and delves into the depths of the human mind, a place the artist describes as the "endless field."

The artist believes that when one's senses meet physical space, he/she is exposed to a poison that keeps restricting the mind. Only when he minimizes external interventions can he access the core of his mind.

Focusing on abstraction and endurance in his performances, Doğruel aims to push his physical and emotional boundaries even more towards the "endless field" to reach a new level of consciousness and step into an infinite land.

During the performance, the artist covers his eyes with a sleep mask and wears earplugs to maintain his silence.

A few hours into the performance, he loses his sense of time and steps into the dark and infinite land of his mind. The artist aims to find a way to unshackle himself from the physical world and reach his own land.

Commenting on his work, Doğruel said: "Stepping into the 'endless field' in complete darkness is only possible by uttering words. Otherwise my mind shuts itself after a while, and I can't move on and eventually fall asleep."

Born in 1991 in Kütahya province, Doğruel focuses on concepts like abstraction and endurance in his works and aims to push his physical and mental limits through prolonged performances.

Having started his undergraduate studies at Koç University's Department of Law, he now continues his education in the university's Department of Media and Visual Arts. He has staged performance works where he committed himself to nine days of hunger and 13 days of silence, aiming to generate more questions about himself, nature and the universe.

Doğruel continues his search for meaning and utilizes performance art as a tool in his pursuit. During the striking performance, his words and the questions he will ask the audience will be recorded. Visitors will also be encouraged to wake up the artist when necessary. Viewers will also be able to watch the performance inside the gallery space and through the main windows when the exhibition venue is closed between 07:30 p.m. and 10.00 a.m.

Ata Doğruel's performance art, "Endless Field," will be staged at the venue of Zilberman Projects in Beyoğlu, Istanbul.