Ayşe Erkmen: Undone

Undone explores 52 unrealised projects by Ayşe Erkmen, offering a rare glimpse into the conceptual force of works that remained unbuilt. Often conceived for competitions or public contexts, these projects—halted by spatial, political, or logistical constraints—reveal Erkmen’s artistic depth through sketches, renderings, and notes. Rather than viewing these ideas as failures, the book highlights their significance as powerful, stand-alone conceptual works. With texts by Friedrich Meschede and Cem İleri, Undone reflects on the meaning of realisation in contemporary art, challenging the notion that only completed works define an artist’s legacy. Erkmen emerges not only as an installation artist but as a thinker who engages deeply with space, form, and society. Celebrating intention and imagination, Undone presents unrealised art as fertile ground for rethinking public space and possibility.

Undone explores 52 unrealized projects by Ayşe Erkmen, offering a rare glimpse into the conceptual force of works that remained unbuilt. Often conceived for competitions or public contexts, these projects—halted by spatial, political, or logistical constraints—reveal Erkmen’s artistic depth through sketches, renderings, and notes. Rather than viewing these ideas as failures, the book highlights their significance as powerful, stand-alone conceptual works. With texts by Friedrich Meschede and Cem İleri, Undone reflects on the meaning of realization in contemporary art, challenging the notion that only completed works define an artist’s legacy. Erkmen emerges not only as an installation artist but as a thinker who engages deeply with space, form, and society. Celebrating intention and imagination, Undone presents unrealized art as fertile ground for rethinking public space and possibility.