UPDATE: Artist Erhan Tirli has just launched his groundbreaking project, Hatır (2022–2024), which delves into the complexities of cross-cultural belonging and the migrant experience. Opening today at the Town Hall Broadmeadows Gallery, this innovative exhibition features collaborative portraits, street photography, archival images, and text that resonate deeply with anyone navigating multiple identities.
Tirli emphasizes that the Turkish word ‘hatır’, meaning ‘memory’ or ‘remembrance’, encapsulates an emotional connection vital to understanding migration. “For me, that idea of emotional connection, especially across distance, across time, across countries, is fundamental to the migrant experience,” he stated. This poignant reflection invites visitors to explore the invisible threads that connect individuals across cultures.
The artist shares his own migration journey—his family moved to Australia in two waves, first his grandparents and father in the 1970s, followed by his parents in the 1990s. “Travelling back and forth was a normal rhythm of childhood,” Tirli recalls, highlighting how his upbringing shaped his artistic lens. He navigated between Turkish and Australian cultures, carrying dual identities and values that now inform his work.
Tirli’s project captures the universal feelings of longing and nostalgia inherent in the migrant experience. “Migration always involves a kind of quiet grief for the people, places, and ways of living left behind,” he explained. His aim is to honor the resilience of migrant communities who strive to preserve their cultural practices while bridging gaps between diverse identities.
“Hatır challenges the misconception that identity must be singular,” Tirli asserts. “It exists in the space where cultures overlap, contradict, and reinforce one another.” This project is a testament to the complexity of identity, where individuals can embrace multiple cultural influences without compromise.
Visitors to the exhibition will find that Tirli employs various photographic styles to convey intimacy and depth. “Portraiture brings audiences closer, while street photography captures our environments,” he explains. “Still life holds symbolism, and archival material bridges generations, reflecting how memory works.”
With Hatır, Tirli hopes that attendees see reflections of their own lives or histories, regardless of cultural differences. “At its core, Hatır is about connection, care, and the threads that tie us to one another,” he remarked, encouraging participants to create playful, surreal images that defy stereotypes.
The exhibition is open now, from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, at the Town Hall Broadmeadows Gallery. This is a unique opportunity to engage with art that speaks to the heart of the migrant experience and the shared human journey.
As the world continues to grapple with issues of identity and belonging, Tirli’s work offers a vital perspective, making Hatır not just an exhibition but a movement toward understanding and empathy in our increasingly interconnected lives. Don’t miss your chance to experience this urgent exploration of cultural memory and connection.
