KARNIBAHAR

Bilsart presents Olgaç Bozalp’s exhibition entitled “Karnıbahar” between March 12– April 05, 2025.

“My relationship with my father has been complex and evolving. While we’ve collaborated professionally, our personal dynamic has been challenging throughout my life. Early on, our differing personalities led to frequent disagreements, and I felt a lack of validation from him, which fueled a strong desire to prove myself.
Despite these conflicts, I’ve always admired his unique perspective. He possesses a childlike enthusiasm, embracing the present moment without dwelling on the past or future. His playful nature and desire to bring joy to others are undeniable. Though my resentment initially clouded my perception, I eventually recognized the value in these qualities. His remarkable travel experiences, having visited over 70 countries, particularly inspired my own curiosity about the world.
In 2016, he invited me on a trip to Jordan, offering to cover the expenses during a financially difficult time for me. This trip presented an opportunity to bridge the gap between us, allowing him to understand my work and providing him with a space to express himself freely, something he had often struggled to do due to financial constraints.
The journey was ultimately a success, both photographically and personally.
Upon returning to London, I made a significant decision to shift my focus from fashion photography to documenting my father. Surprisingly, this new direction garnered the positive response I had long sought. The very person I had often criticized was now the source of my professional breakthrough. This realization was both gratifying and perplexing. We continued to travel together, and while his image became central to my work, I began to question my motivations. Was I genuinely celebrating him, or was I still driven by a need for his validation?
Ultimately, I came to understand that my father hadn’t fundamentally changed; rather, I had matured and gained a deeper perspective. When I addressed my childhood feelings with
him, it became clear that he struggled to articulate his emotions and lacked the tools for effective connection. This realization, though poignant, brought clarity and a sense of resolution.”

Click here for the press kit.

ABOUT OLGAÇ BOZALP

Olgaç (b. 1987) is a Turkish-born visual artist based in Berlin.
His upbringing in Konya during his developmental years largely informs his work today, as an exploration of cultural identity has become a recurring theme in his visual language.
Since 2014, Olgaç has travelled to over 55 countries throughout Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Latin America to challenge the hegemonic Western notions of beauty and personal individuality. He often explores the world of his subjects by shooting them in
their environments. His educational background in Theatre shaped his improvisational staged documentary approach.
Olgaç was named part of Foam’s 2022 Talent; in 2019 he was featured in the British Journal of Photography’s “Ones to Watch” photographers, stating “Bozalp has been at the forefront of a movement to diversify visual culture, introducing new ideas about gender, beauty and race.”; and featured in Aperture’s 2017 “Element of Style” issue, which investigates the role of style, dress, and beauty in forming individual identity.”
As of 2023 he had two solo exhibitions at Foam Museum and participated in several group exhibitions at institutions including the National Portrait Gallery London, Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation, Aperture Gallery, Sharjah Art Foundation, Arles and Odunpazari
Modern Museum.
His work has also been published by M Le Monde, A Magazine Curated by, Dazed, Atmos, and T Magazine, and he has worked with clients Balenciaga, Hérmes, Carven, Hugo Boss, H&M, Alexander McQueen, Camper, GmbH, Dilara Fındıkoğlu, and Zegna.