Ayşe Erkman
never felt better 2008
Plume shopping bag from the series Every Bag Counts SCAPE 2008

Famed in the art world, Ayşe has built an internationally acclaimed presence for her architectural sculptures, interventions, photography and animations – a practice that transcends genre, style and form. She lives between Istanbul and Berlin, and over the past 20 years has continuously and prolifically exhibited worldwide. She is known for her sensitivity towards the sites of her works, and has been involved in shows, exhibitions and festivals spanning Europe, the USA and beyond, including the SCAPE Christchurch Biennial in 2008.

This golden cashier bag, from Ayse’s 2008 SCAPE work, Every Bag Counts was created to mass branding from purchases and create a new affirmation based on contribution to the community. Bags with different “Never” sayings were used in small, locally-owned stores around the Christchurch CBD during the Biennial. The bag, never felt better, was used in fashion boutique Plume, located on High Street at the time. This vain bag, by this internationally acclaimed artist, gives a knowing wink to those extravagant purchases while also paying tribute to Christchurch’s bohemian community spirit.