Songuel Boyraz / Group XX, May 05 - Sep 05

GLASS, CONCRETE AND STONE, IT'S JUST A HOUSE NOT A HOME

9/23/05 to 9/25/05

MAK Center at the Mackey Apartments, 1137 - 1141 South Cochran Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

New places open up through intense observation and contact with people. As a foreigner, Boyraz was more aware of the differences in social structures and habits in foreign countries. Studying these differences such as behavior, manners, traditions, rituals, clothing, etc., allowed her to uncover social and cultural codes, which directly informed her artwork. For her residency, Boyraz created a video installation which investigated political and social issues of immigration and related economics. She focused on subjects such as the border between Mexico and the U.S., as well as the presence of immigrants on Los Angeles city streets often forced into low-income, day-labor jobs. She strove to communicate personal motivations and strategies for survival amidst a foreign environment.