Conception by Özgür Uyanık is about an artist who challenges society with his conceptual art. A thought-provoking read, humorous, but in a morbid way.
Conception synopsis
Enter Anonymous, a middle-ranking artist rolling between minor shows in New York, London and Istanbul. With his career sliding into obscurity, shamefully forced to consider advertising work to make ends meet, he knows he must break new ground if he is to survive.
With his mother’s encouragement, he decides upon his next work of art: an act of self-violation so outrageous, so horrific, the art world will be forced to take notice. But will it be enough to raise him to the ranks of the elite?
‘Conception’ is the journey of a sociopath who will do whatever it takes to get ahead; a dark comedy exploring who and what determines the value of art.
Book review
Should he follow his calling or do something that pays the rent? Our main character doesn’t waver and fully pursues art to the pleasure of his mom who tells him to be hugely ambitious and the displeasure of his dad who tells him not to bother because he’ll never make it.
Conception deals with the question of what art is and what it means to be a person – artist – that pursues art. Where does ethics come in? With the main character, we explore Istanbul and London. He is stuck between two worlds and doesn’t fully belong to either east or west because he was taken from his place of birth (Turkey) and dropped in a foreign country (England) at a young age. He has a very sarcastic worldview that is not necessarily unrealistic.
You get to know the main character very well – both his strengths and flaws, despite not knowing his name. I like the train of thought leading to the moment of conception of his next artwork (the evil milk!). His thoughts are hilarious at times (in a morbid way), especially the analogies he comes up with, even though they are often quite offensive.
Özgür Uyanık uses a flowery language: if it can be said in many words, why use short sentences? The main character’s thoughts show his self-mockery and criticism, his sadism but also his ambition and spirit. At times it feels like a rant because nearly every single sentence contains a judgment of himself, other people, or historical events.
The writing style is not for everyone; the sentences are often long and demand your full attention if you want to follow the train of thought and understand the references. It is energy consuming, but also more rewarding as the fun is in the connections the main character makes in his mind.
Conception is a thought-provoking and interesting read. All along I was curious about the steps the main character would take next to realize his ambitions. I felt supportive of him, in a slightly disapproving way. He challenges society – both ethics and cultural norms – and shows great resilience and drive to bring his conception to life.
As for your thoughts on the book, to quote the main character: “Your mind will submit to the spectacle of my utter conviction that what I have produced demands nothing less than your unflinching gaze of admiration or, failing that, repulsion.”
Interested?
Pre-order your copy of Conception from Amazon (available 2 July 2020).
Many thanks to Fairlight Books and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
