Derived from the Turkish word for „neighbour,“ the term „Komşu“ embodies a sense of camaraderie and community, similar to „Hawara“ in Viennese dialect. Growing up in Vienna with Turkish roots, I often heard and embraced this term, symbolizing a shared bond among friends, migrants and neighbours.
„A table, four chairs – Komşu“ explores interactions observed and daydreamed during moments of zoning out from my living room window. Centering on a public space in my neighbourhood, notably a table with four chairs, where various activities unfold.
The focus is on showcasing the diversity of encounters, from older individuals gathering to younger generations using the space for conversations during lunch breaks or even as a makeshift workplace, and illustrating how public furniture is able to bring together various scenarios and people, shaping the environment and interactions in its surrounding.
This series was created as part of the cooperative project "WIE WIR (NICHT) LEBEN" with Arbeiterkammer Vienna.
As part of the eponymous urban exhibition, which was on view from June 26 to September 1, 2024, at various locations across Vienna, A table, four chairs - Komşu was presented on an advertising column on Reumannplatz in 1100 Vienna.
