Maquis primarily refers to the type of scrubland found in
‘Mediterranean’ climates. While primarily and originally associated
with the Mediterranean region it can also be found in much of
California, parts of South Africa, central coastal Chile and parts
of South Asia. It prevails in the Izmir area of Turkey. During the Second World War it also became a metonym for a
group of politically diverse resistant fighters in rural France. Maquis Projects offers cover and opportunities for individuals and
collectives to create meaningful cultural and social material and
activities. It looks to the original definition of Maquis as a sub-climate
where particular climatic and topographic conditions produce
specific fauna and flora. Of interest is how six different
disconnected locations have independently created experiences
of scale and texture that are similar yet strange to each other. The basic taxonomy of these experiences can be expanded to
raise questions in relation to how the human being, within
separated experiential and political conditions, can respond
through their actions to relationships of order and power. MAQUIS PROJECTS is based in the area of Kemeralti of Izmir. This is an urban area that shares many of the characteristics of
the uninhabited natural maquis.
