visual artist and doctor of medicine

62:84, 51*62cm, acrylic paint on framed glass, 2021

In a chilling and evocative tribute to resistance and remembrance, this artwork captures a haunting scene inspired by the cult classic Donnie Darko. A solitary figure, garbed in a disturbing bunny costume reminiscent of Frank the Bunny, sits in contemplative silence. The date is December 13th, A.C.A.B. Day 1312, a day dedicated to confronting the stark realities of police brutality and systemic violence.

The figure, its human eyes peering out from behind the eerie mask, partakes in a humble yet powerful act: eating a bowl of letter soup. On the spoon, the letters “A.C.A.B” emerge, stark and unmistakable, a clear declaration of “All Cops Are Bastards.” This visual statement underscores a profound critique of law enforcement and societal injustice.

This piece is deeply dedicated to the women in Turkey who have fallen victim to femicide, their lives brutally taken by male violence. It also stands in solidarity with all those who have endured the harsh realities of police brutality across the globe. The choice of a bunny-costumed figure, both unsettling and symbolically rich, reflects the juxtaposition of innocence and the grotesque, purity and corruption.

The artwork serves as a silent vigil, a protest wrapped in a moment of stillness. The act of eating, mundane yet loaded with meaning, becomes a ritual of remembrance and defiance. The bunny-costumed figure, a nod to Donnie Darko, represents the pervasive sense of foreboding and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Through this powerful imagery, the artist calls upon viewers to reflect on the pervasive issues of gender-based violence and police oppression. It is an urgent reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing fight for justice, urging all to acknowledge the pain and act against the systemic wrongs. This artwork stands as a testament to resilience, memory, and the unwavering demand for a more just world.