Volta by Istanbul. A Spectrum of Layers & Paradox Anomalies
A collection of works by street artist Sava ‘Istanbul’ Larry. Exploring his creative vocabulary away from the concrete walls and merging into digital mixed media charged with the rawness of graffitied walls. Written by Dian Dewi Reich
Volta, a Spectrum of Layers & Paradox Anomalies
Street artist Sava Larry aka ‘Istanbul’ explores new visual paths. The creative energy bursts out of its confines and like a giant bubblegum, is chewed and stretched into new forms, in a visual journal. Spiked with emotion, tempered by analysis all through a creative innocence.
To create visual works in multiple mediums. Especially in a fast-changing digital world, it becomes more complex to adjust the methods and the natural flow of the paintings themselves. I consider myself diverse, my process often involves different ways of seeing through layers of objects, shapes and colours. The critical mind and the complexity of many images in one medium create an appealing combination. Merging canvas paintings with digital patterns presents many mysterious layers.
To me, art is a powerful tool of interpretation. It is a reflection of the artist’s personality. A simple expression of the complex thought. In this series, the spectrum that represents the object beneath the object, or shapes within lines is not achieved randomly. It arrives through an optical process. You can say it is a process where the mind is trying to find meaning. It is an art form that does not represent an accurate depiction of visual reality. Instead, it is communicating through lines, shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks.”
~ Istanbul
Moving from graffiti to mixed media, this collection depicts a transformative phase. Volta has two main references. One to Alessandro Volta, Alessandro Volta whose research on electrical charges resulted in the invention of the first battery. Is descriptive of the energy captured in these digital collages. Collages that have the fluidity of intense, visual fluidity. The same spikes of emotion can be felt in these collages as well as sketches and paintings. So the term Volta describes the collection well.
Bearing all that in mind, there is another meaning captured by ‘Volta’. That of a musical one. In music, the ‘Volta’ is a quick-moving Italian dance popular during the 16th and 17th centuries. Whether the artist chose the title of this collection to reflect an electrical charge or that of a quick-moving dance, perhaps both. Perhaps this is what he means by layers and paradoxical anomalies. One is a burst of energy that is charged and electric. The other is the energy of physical movement structured and designed. Both representations of ‘energy’ can be seen when we look through the maze of Istanbul’s visual journaling.
Explore the works of Sava ‘Istanbul’ Larry through upcoming collaborations at Sawidji Studio and Gallery. Upcoming exhibitions include a collaboration with UK digital artist David Hopkins based for Culmination|CalmInNation Sawidji Exhibition in May 2024 in Sanur Bali.
Explore Online
View in Online Gallery in digital art for works by Istanbul.
