Unsurprisingly, the people of Rome believed that black swans did not exist. The notion that all swans must be white stemmed from historical accounts that only ever reported swans with white feathers. Thus, the black swan became a metaphor for events - often of a darker nature - that had not yet occurred but could happen in the future. This viewpoint prevailed throughout Europe until 1697, when black swans were discovered in Western Australia during Willem de Vlamingh's expedition to the Swan River.
Can Akgümüş’s Black Swan series hovers in the realm of ancient folklore, Greek mythology, and symbolism. However, in this body of work, his focus is on the physical form, where an armour made of flesh becomes the pivotal point of expression - flawed, durable, and fragile -changing over time as it carries the soul through life. To him, this transformation narrates the cycle of being.
From the moment of birth, we are exposed to the impact of past events, including the weight of responsibility and the general struggles of life. By understanding the context and interconnectedness of history - where individual narratives and events often fade in significance - these recollections are passed down from generation to generation, from one century to the next, continuing to exist through invisible ties.
Perhaps Akgümüş’s Black Swan series ultimately signifies that all things are transient, lacking a permanent essence, and are subject to constant change. He affirms: “Those who think they possess it are mistaken; our mortal lives are only meant to bear witness, not to own.”
Can Akgümüş lives and works in both Ankara and Istanbul. His recent exhibitions include: Perdu et retrouvé, Institut Français, İzmir (2023); the 18th Contemporary Istanbul, Kairos Gallery, İstanbul; and BLOOM 2023, Contemporary Istanbul. In 2022, he exhibited Reimage: Morning After Dark at Kairos Gallery, İstanbul, followed by Collide 22: An International Encounter Between Art Professionals & Contemporary Artists, in collaboration with the Kulturakademie Tarabya, Goethe-Institut Ankara, and Künstlerhaus Bethanien, Berlin.
In 2020, he presented the exhibition Crystal Chateau at the Evliyagil Museum, Ankara. He participated in 2019 at the Martch Art Project, Istanbul. His 2018 exhibitions include ODTÜSanat19: A New World, Ankara; Icons of Thinking: Images and Texts at the Evliyagil Museum, Ankara; Monomyth, part of Nevnesil at Galeri Nev, Ankara; and Venus in Furs.
In 2017, Akgümüş took part in the 15th Istanbul Biennial Neighbour Event Home at the Evliyagil Museum, Ankara. In 2016, his work was shown at the 7th Istanbul Pride Week in the exhibition Who Would Have Thought. Earlier exhibitions include 40 meters, 4 Walls, 8 Cubes at Zorlu, Istanbul (2015) and Young/Fresh/Different IV at Galeri Zilberman, İstanbul (2013).
Can Akgümüş work will be on view at Photo London from 15 May - 18 May 2025, Kairos Gallery Booth D7, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.