Tugba Yazıcı / ArtTmodernmiami
Once upon a time, people believed the world was flat. In addition, this flat world stood on the backs of two giant yellow oxen, without shaking. Yes, you heard right: yellow oxen. Mythology? Yes. However, if you look closely, you will notice that this myth has a lot in common with today’s relationships.
Two people, back to back… They are carrying the same tray. What is on the tray? Just the world? Oh, how possible! There are piles of bills, babysitters, dinner crises, personal space arguments and the echo of the phrase “we are not what we used to be”. Maybe a little art, a little Netflix, a little “why don’t you listen to me as much anymore?” complaint…
Throughout history, the increase in burden has been explained by natural disasters. An earthquake? Probably one of the yellow oxen went haywire. In modern relationships, this tremor manifests itself in quiet dinners, couples therapy sessions, or early morning conversations about “I think this relationship is wearing us out.”
What we call relationships is actually an updated version of contemporary mythology. The yellow ox is no longer real, but the metaphorical burden is still on our backs. Perhaps the biggest mistake of modern relationships is that we think we have to carry this burden equally, at the same time.
Sometimes, however, one is stronger and the other needs to catch his breath. Moreover, this is natural. Nevertheless, the problem is when you stand back you cannot see his face. You do not know if the other ox has stopped on the road, has run away, or is just resting his head. At that moment, perhaps it is necessary to put the load down for a short while and look back. Sometimes, saying, “Are you okay?” is more important than carrying the world.
What would art have to say about this? Maybe the solution was to wait for minutes looking each other in the eye during a Marina Abramović performance. Maybe it was the identity crisis hidden in a Cindy Sherman photograph. Alternatively, just a Banksy graffiti: “When the burden is shared, there is a revolution.”
Fortunately, the world is now round. Now, each individual is the carrier of his own little universe. However, some yellow oxen continue on the road with the stubbornness of centuries. If one day you see someone walking alone on the road, stop and ask:
“Is your burden heavy, or are you just looking for a backbone to share it with?”
Tugba Yazici
Multidisciplinary Artist & Producer
