Biography

Drawing on historical and archival research, İz Öztat initiates dialogues that investigate the potential of materials to embody knowledge. In her video and installation work, she engages with local communities and their struggles to free themselves from forms of oppression. She has been particularly interested in issues surrounding the commericalisation of water.

Her work has been shown in a number of exhibitions, including Sharjah Biennial 13: Tamawuj (with Fatma Belkis) (2017); Land without Land, Heidelberger Kunstverein, Germany (2016); Saltwater: A Theory of Thought Forms, 14th Istanbul Biennial (2015); Conducted in Depth and Projected at Length, Heidelberger Kunstverein (2014); Rendez-vous 13, Institut d’art contemporain, Lyon, France (2013) and Here Together Now, Matadero Madrid (2013).

She co-founded the Cura Bodrum Residency, Muğla, Turkey (2008) and is a member of the independent printing, duplication and distribution cooperative BAÇOY KOOP. She was also project manager for the CDA-Project Grant for Artist Research and Production, Istanbul (2011).

She received a BA in Visual Arts (with Honors) from Oberlin College, US (2005) and a master’s degree from the Faculty of Arts and Communication Design, Sabanci University, Istanbul (2008). She has also pursued doctoral studies in art practice at Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul.

Öztat was born in 1981 in Istanbul, where she continues to live and work.

This person was part of Sharjah Biennial 13.

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