Esna Su
Process of The Memory Shell
The sculptural pieces made of vegetable tanned leather, leather from offcuts and dead stock from bag companies. I cut them into cord with scissors then I start knitting slightly smaller size of the shape which finished piece will look like. I make the knitted piece wet then to create the unique shape of the piece I mould the knitted leather cords around a collection of cherished objects, making the pieces a reminder of a life left behind. Su then retrieves the items to create these bare and irregular structures, silent repositories of the past.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Central Saint Martin’s graduate Esna Su breathes stories into materials to create evocative handcrafted pieces. Her body of work subtly explores the issues of identity and memory and how these are shaken in the context of political instability. Su envelopes her pieces with heritage, using traditional Turkish techniques of weaving, twining and crochet. Despite the traditional aspects of the pieces, they are mutated into wearable sculptures as Su translates them into her own language with the use of her own methods. Her collection "The Refugee and The Burden" were exhibited in the UK as well as in Netherland, Switzerland, South Korea, China. During London Refugee Week, the collection made a voice in 2017 with performance The Rubble Talks Too and in 2018 presented with performance during London Refugee Week in 2017 as The Rubble Talks Too and When The Nest Falls in 2018.Two performance represent Syrian refugees who have been forced to abandon their homes, belongings and flee the conflict.
A great accomplishment of Su’s collection and her contribution to Art, Design and Craft received Hospital Club 100 Award and The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers’ Award 2020. Su completed her residency at The Lee Alexander McQueen Foundation and continues working in Cockpit Arts as a residence.
EXHIBITIONS
Basel Art Fair, Switzerland
Shanghai Fashion Weekend, Chine
Gallery Marie, Holland
Munich Jewellery Week, Germany
Dallas Museum of Art, USA
Cheongju Biennial, South Korea
Agatha Christie Festival, Torquay, UK
Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol, UK
COLLECT, London, UK
Amman Design Week, Jordon
COLLECTIONS
Dallas a museum of Art, USA
Gallery Marze, Netherlands
Crafts Council, UK
SARABANDE, UK
Craftwright Hall, Bradford Museum, UK