Charis welcomes Özge Samancı for a visual presentation about the making of Evil Eyes Sea, a fictional graphic novel narrating a mystery story set in Istanbul before the 1995-96 elections. Evil Eyes is about the author's struggles with being a young woman in Turkey's male-centric culture. In this book, Samanci shares a window into a country where narrow political views limit personal power -- a place that can be beautiful, but also cruel. Perfect for graphic novel enthusiasts, illustrators, genuine literary nerds (especially mystery lovers), and of course feminist activists alike!

The story takes place against a background of political propaganda; a conservative party is rising to power using religion to appeal to voters cynically.

The main protagonists, Ece and Meltem, are engineering students at Bosphorus University and in financial distress. Ece and Meltem fantasize about having the powerful gaze of Medusa and amuse themselves with efforts to move objects with their eyes. They also share a passion for scuba diving as members of the Student Diving Club.

While on a diving expedition in the Bosphorus Strait, they witness a freak accident underwater. Did Ece and Meltem's evil eye cause the accident? Their investigation leads them to a search for truth and a treasure hidden under the Bosphorus. But their hopes of solving their financial troubles become entangled with political corruption, and they must make grim decisions while navigating a climate of chauvinism, patriarchy, religious pressure, and economic instability. The evolving events threaten their friendship, ethical values, and even their lives--as well as the future of their country.

Özge Samancı is an artist and associate professor at Northwestern University. Her drawings have appeared in The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and Slate Magazine. Her autobiographical graphic novel Dare to Disappoint has been translated into six languages. Her interactive installations have been exhibited internationally in museums and galleries. https://www.ozgesamanci.com/about

The event is free and open to all people, but we encourage and appreciate a donation of $5-20 in support of the work of Charis Circle, our programming non-profit. Donate on crowdcast or via our website: www.chariscircle.org/donate or in person the night of the event.

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Evil Eyes Sea: a visual presentation with Özge Samancı