Cem Sonel: Binary

Anna Laudel Düsseldorf presents Cem Sonel’s solo exhibition Binary until July 1, 2023.

Bringing different materials together for his digital-based serial works, multi-disciplinary artist Cem Sonel’s solo exhibition Binary is on display at Anna Laudel Düsseldorf.

The name of the exhibition refers to the binary coding system and revolves around concepts that take their expressive power from their simplicity. By using computer codes and led panels, Sonel explores new production techniques in the intersection of new media and street art. Additionally, the artworks in this comprehensive selection are made of upcycled materials such as digital screens, MDF, LED panels, and plexi plates that are considered waste or have lost their function.

Binary is a continuation of the exhibition titled One and Zero Make Two, previously displayed at Anna Laudel Istanbul in 2022. Since then Sonel has successfully carried over the guerrilla street art movement with his unique interpretation, being one of few examples in the world. Just like a graffiti artist leaving his signature on a wall with spray paint, Sonel enriches the street spirit with his digital art by guerrilla-dropping pre-programmed computer codes on LED signs placed on the streets.

Sonel’s exhibition explores the notions of existence and non-existence as thesis and antithesis that could be transformed into each other. Sonel demonstrates that the language of digital communication can also be translated into a form of creative expression through unique combinations of zero and one.

By establishing a modern connection between technology, existence and meaning Sonel aims to question the similarities between nothingness, existence, and non-existence in an analytical way. Reinterpreting the system of values that underpins daily life from a philosophical standpoint, Cem Sonel’s solo exhibition Binary can be seen at Anna Laudel Düsseldorf until July 1, 2023.

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. He organised 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 neighbourhood art collective. Since 2020, he has been pursuing his art and design productions in his workshop in Ankara.