Cem Sonel: One and Zero Makes Two

Cem Sonel focuses on the non-existence of the number “zero” in philosophy, and the “relative nothingness”, which means absolute absence and oblivion.

Computers perceive what the user wants to convey to them as ones and zeros in their own language. The state in which the micro-transistors, that is, the lamps, that enable our computer to work, are turned on is represented as “one” and the state in which they are turned off is represented as “zero”. The zero in the number system we use in our daily lives represents the absence of a quality. In the sense of philosophical and non-technical daily usage, the word “non” or “absent” refers to a deficiency in existence, and by definition, the state of lack or absence in existence is specified as being not present. The base of the binary number system is two and only the numbers “zero” and “one” are used in this system.

Sonel makes his individual inquiries based on these concepts, however, his artistic production is fueled by life on the streets. He mainly produces graffiti-based works that criticize consumption culture. Stretching from upcycling projects to murals and digital-based serial works that come together under the title Code of Conquer, his works represent his personal conflict over the concepts of existence and non-existence. In the artist’s representation, existence and non-existence are not read as two separate concepts, but as concepts that create and nourish each other. In Sonel’s approach, the actual presence of lamps is more valuable than their state of being on or off.

In this context, Sonel poses the same question he asks himself to the visitors: “Don’t you think that in today’s mentality where zero is accepted as nothingness, it is a more conciliatory approach to propose that one and zero are the same values?”

Bringing together a comprehensive selection of artworks produced in different techniques, including digital-based serial works and graffiti, Cem Sonel’s solo exhibition can be visited until February 27, 2022 at Anna Laudel’s new gallery space in Istanbul.

Exhibition catalogue for One and Zero Makes Two will be published by Anna Laudel, please contact the gallery to obtain one. 

Cem Sonel
Born in Ankara in 1985, Sonel completed his undergraduate education at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Graphic Design Department with an honorary degree. In 2009, he succeeded in bringing to life his childhood interest in street art, by co-founding the street art collective (KÜF Project). In 2014, he was accepted to the Sculpture Master’s Program at Hacettepe University Fine Arts Institute. Between 2008 and 2013, he worked as a graphic designer and art director for design agencies. In 2013, he decided to turn his interior design hobby into a profession and designed many interior spaces. He organized workshops on street art, directed sessions, and took part in group exhibitions. Moving his workshop to Izmir-Darağaç in 2017, he continued to work both individually and with the neighborhood art collective. Since 2020, he has been continuing his art and design productions in his workshop in Ankara.