Maybe I Be Here?

Through May I Be Here?, I explore my existence as a queer migrant in public and urban spaces by examining similar urban transformation narratives from Istanbul and Berlin. Initially conceived as a public space intervention with an installation, the work evolved into a social experiment due to bureaucratic obstacles. This evolution allows me to delve into the dynamics of public space ownership and structural racism.

In Video 1, the first performance. It has been interrupted by the U-Bahn securities. The police were called. There was a small argument. Despite the interruption, I finished my performance. But my moves were reformed.

In Video 2, I did this performance in a different (hidden) part of the U-Bahn stop with the reformed movements.

Video 3 is the last performance. For this one, I went back to the first place where I did my first attempt. This time securities did not interrupt the performance. They were even watching and mentioning that they know me and it is okay. I manage to “earn” my space in German public space.

The digital print collages are printed from three different A2 size paper. They are referencing similar urban transformation narratives in Berlin and Istanbul, such as Humboldt Forum (in Berlin) and failed Taksim Military Barracks (Topçu Kışlası) Project...etc.

To view the collages, please click HERE.