Royal College of Art (group residency) / Damla Erduran

photo Simon Beckmann

Royal College of Art (group residency) / Damla Erduran / sculpture

“Sculpture is the medium through which I explore emotions that words are often insufficient to

express. I am drawn to feelings such as love, hatred, serenity, and shame—emotions that define

us as human beings and are deeply rooted in our nature, yet are often forgotten or suppressed as

we become “too human.” I focus on these fundamental experiences, questioning how societal

expectations distance us from our instincts and from the natural world that forms our essence.

In my practice, I challenge the symbolic meanings we assign to elements of nature—plants,

flowers, stones, soil, and animals—pushing beyond conventional interpretations to rediscover

their emotional and psychological resonance. I believe that modern society pressures individuals

to repress what is inherently natural, creating a disconnection from both our emotions and our

animalistic origins.

Working experimentally with diverse materials and textures, I expand the boundaries of my

sculptural language. With a background in metalwork, I am particularly interested in softening and

humanising metal, often combining it with fabric to introduce warmth, fragility, and intimacy.

Through material contrasts, I aim to evoke tension between strength and vulnerability.

Ultimately, my goal is to encourage viewers to confront the emotions they may have forgotten,

missed, or avoided—and to reconcile with their own human and animal nature”.

Damla Erduran

In partnership with the Royal College of Art, this group residency at Joya: AiR was curated by guest artist Annie Edwards (GBA 26, MA RCA, BFA) www.annieedwards.com