Çark — Indoor installation view, Istanbul, 2021

Çark | 2021-ongoing | Site-specific participatory installation (5 videos, 3 objects and 2 collages)

Çark* explores heterotopias, focusing on queer cruising and sex work, by visualizing denied sexualities in public space. The work draws on Akkel’s experiences and observations in Istanbul’s neighborhoods, where tabooed sexuality emerges through the sexualization of everyday gestures.

To access the videos embedded within the objects, viewers must adopt positions reminiscent of sexual acts inside the participatory installation.

Adaptable to both outdoor and indoor contexts, the installation creates a space where intimacy and visibility intersect. The title Çark derives from Lubunca, a queer slang from Turkey, and refers to cruising for sex partners.

*Çark means “cruising for sex partners” in Lubunca, a queer slang from Turkey.

Çark — Outdoor installation view, Izmir, TR, 2021

Object I

Çark — Views of Object I, 2021 (slide for more images)

Çark — A view of Object I, 2021

From Object I, a video performance can be watched. The video is accompanied by the sound of showering, echoing faintly throughout the installation.

Object II

Çark — Views of Object II, 2021 (slide for more images)

Çark — A view of Object II, 2021

From Object II, Akkel’s performative massage of the street-food dessert Kerhane Tatlısı (Brothel Dessert) can be viewed.

Like cruising spaces, the dessert exists in both sexual and non-sexual contexts: traditionally sold in front of brothels as a high-energy snack, yet also found in other settings as a common family dessert.

Object III

Çark — A view of Object III, 2021

Çark — Detail of Object III, 2021

The audience can enter Object III.

They can 'peep' into the exhibition space through a mirrored glass, but because of the object’s height, they must constantly shift between observing and hiding.

At the same time, they are visible from the outside through a non-functioning 'keyhole.

Three-Channel Video Collage Performances

The videos, shown in a loop, are displayed on screens inside the installation.

Collages

Çark — View of collage placement, 2021

The collages are placed within the installation; they can be hung on the wall or positioned on the floor.

Çark — Details of the collages, 2021 (slide for more images)