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'Transit Identities', 2001
by Ahmet Oktem
Installation, mixed media
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BY//PASS is a non-profit structure for the development of economic and cultural exchange between Italy and the countries of the Middle East: Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt.
This project is born out of the necessity that many feel to escape from the "Western fortress"; that rigid structure of production and distribution of culture, in which peripheral and weaker situations are called upon to participate only in the role of buyers and assistants.
The aim of 'by//pass' is to break away from compulsory axioms of cultural diffusion, and thus free from pre-established roles, regardless of specific cultural expressions, in view of a more fair judgement of values.
For the last two centuries the Middle East and North Africa have experienced the breaking up of the original community into a number of national states. This world, that is now growing in productivity and self-confidence, has had long-lasting relations based on proximity, dialogue but at times also on political, religious and economic conflict, with the countries of the Western Mediterranean and in particular with Italy and Venice.
At a time when a rigidity between East and West is re-emerging, seemingly in contradiction, there exists a growing osmosis due to new waves of migration. It can be interesting and useful to analyse new possibilities of mutual dialogue, avoiding the morbidity of the old-fashioned Orientalism, the automatic inflexibility of the different arguments of discussion on the South and the Near East, and the most recent outbursts of racism against the immigrants in the Western world.
The Ottoman Empire was a model of wise acceptance of different cultures that has no parallel in the contemporary Christian world; the Jews sent away from Spain, the Huguenots from France, the Poles, Bulgarians and Hungarians persecuted by the Germans and the Russians and many other peoples found hospitality in Costantinople. The city consciously declared itself "the Refuge of the World" .
It is with the keeping in mind of this model of mutual acceptance - which is perhaps oleographic but still valid from the point of view of vision and projects - that 'by//pass' is developing its activity. Based in Venice, but seeking hospitality in the Near East, 'by//pass' encourages exchanges and relations between Italy - Venice in particular - and Turkey, intended as a gate to the Near East and an outlet to the other countries in the Middle East. Mutual collaboration, a common quest for resources for the projects, exchanges of people and goods as in times of old, will make it possible to build an ideal bridge over the sea that separates the two worlds. 'by//pass' is trying to create a platform, an outpost between two worlds that seem no longer able to communicate.
'by//pass' consists of a network that connects curators, artists, people dealing with theatre and fashion, businesspeople in Turkey and Italy. The seat of the organization is presently at the Oratorio di San Ludovico in Venice, a contemporary art venue under the patronage of the Nuova Icona art association directed by Vittorio Urbani with the advice of the Turkish curator, Beral Madra.
A number of different projects relating to theatre, fashion, entertainment and visual arts in general will be developed, respecting the different cultures and languages, looking for processes and aspects that can be mutually useful. As in the caravans of the past, solidarity among travellers will make the journey safer and more fruitful.
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