Random Questions with Baran Tokmakoğlu AKA I Think Nothing

One late night, I thought about the simple idea of writing some random interviews with artists of interest, true people from different backgrounds with a peculiar situation, way of life, or interesting enough to read about, general people with something to say. It is not a new way; I am not trying to reinvent the wheel, but at last, the people will be fresh and perhaps a bit fumy.

I decided each interview would be different versus a random boring questionnaire without getting too political or religious so I wouldn't get killed between the lines of a current MAGA circus. Here is the extract.

What's your known Name, aka, seudo?

B.- Although I was known as APS (ARTistique PLAStique spasTIQUE) in the late '90s and as ITHINKNOTHING from the mid-2000s onwards, my close circle has been calling me Baransky for a long time. I can't deny the existence of other identities that remain unknown to most, except for those who need to know. After all, each of them has played a significant role in shaping me!

What inspires you?

B.- The contribution of a small touch, even if not today, to enable great changes, to take place maybe in the future.

What have you learned along the way, what shaped you as an artist?

B.- As human beings, choosing understanding, showing care, patience, listening, sharing, helping, and all forms of kindness—with a quiet smile and sincerity—despite all the negativity we experience, is neither easy nor something that happens quickly. It is probably a small but important part of the never-ending learning process.

As both an artist and a human, I can say that the injustice, inequality, and discrimination that exist in the world, along with their negative effects on societies and individuals, especially despite all the pain I have personally experienced or felt through empathy, the persistence of hope against all these absurdities continues to shape me.

We live in difficult times, how do you get by?

B.- With hope and faith that comes from the heart...

What is next?

B.- The answer is behind the mustache!

2 + 2 = ?

B.- 2 + 2 = 2 X 2 = 4  (Equality *social *political *economic *civil) 

Favorite color?

B.-I guess especially nowadays It is Black! It becomes even more mesmerizing when formed by chromatophore cells which is we have not got.

What is your biggest achievement as a person/ artist?

B. I guess this could still be breathing for a purpose

What is your opinion about AI?

B. - "Before I close this conversation, is there anything you want to ask or say?"

AI Responded:

Art is the playground of those who never stop asking questions. If one day AI manages to imitate Banksy walls, Van Gogh’s brushes, or your perspective, perhaps the greatest artwork will be humanity still asking, ‘But is this real?’

So, never stop questioning, thinking, and filling the world with irony. Whenever you want, I’m here."

How is the art scene in your area?

B.-Paris? I can say that It created an impact that I will never forget.

Have you found a niche for your work?

B.- No, I have not found it. I prefer to focus solely on the creative part.

Is working with galleries difficult, or is difficult to get represented?

B.- I don't think it's very common to come across the right people and be able to dedicate oneself to noble causes

What do you think galleries are lacking?

B.- Although it may vary depending on the gallery, when we generally evaluate the subject in the context of galleries, I feel that the fact that their commercial concerns come before their understanding of art and passion for it leads to their sincerity always being questionable, resulting in a lack of trust and belief.

Day or night?

B.- Nights and the early hours of the day, where long, sleepless nights converge and are covered with the sounds of birds.

Does any book come to mind?

B.- I would say George Orwell,1984. Especially nowadays young folks talks about that in Turkey.. Good for them if they read it!

Coffee, tea, or martinis for breakfast?

B.- Coffee, please!

As an artist you think is important to travel?

B.- Are you asking me this question as an artist, who has been legally deprived of freedom of movement by the French authorities for the past 25 months? Ask the same question to somebody who works in the French administration! Let's see what they think about this.

Do you attend your exhibits?

B.- Sometimes I like to join as a visitor like everyone if there is a possibility

If you could make dinner plans to have a chat, which characters ( real, fictional, dead, or alive) would you invite?

B.- It is possible to give very different answers to this question. I think the important thing is the purpose for which the table will be set for dinner. If it's just to satisfy longing, I would primarily wish to set a table with my family, friends, and those beautiful people I lost, whom I haven't seen for a long time and have missed, and who I know I will miss more and more as time goes by. However, if the table I wish to set is for something much greater than my desires, to serve a higher purpose for all humanity and the planet, then the answer to the question would completely change. If we evaluate the situation with a realistic perspective for this purpose, if you do not receive an invitation from us within the next 5 years, we thank you in advance for your understanding.

Who do you admire?

B.- Despite all the disappointments, I watch with admiration those who quietly strive positively to change the world as much as they can.

Thought of the day?

B.- TH!NK

FIN