I We You

Esra Gülmen’s I We You (2022) explores how our sense of self is shaped through connection. Two overlapping circles, printed on a mirrored surface, are labeled “I” and “You,” with the intersection marked “WE.” Inspired by Freud’s suggestion that the ego can soften or dissolve in intimate relationships, the work visualizes the delicate balance between individuality and togetherness.

Printed on a mirror, the work invites viewers to see themselves within this dynamic—literally and metaphorically. As we stand before it, our reflection becomes part of the composition, placing us directly in the space between “I” and “You.” Gülmen highlights not only the vulnerability of human connection, but also its potential to expand, blur, or strengthen the boundaries we draw around ourselves.

I We You, 2022
Silkscreen print on mirror
80 x 120 x 2.5 cm
Edition of 9 + 1 AP