Kemal Yazici, founder, Bedia Gallery

Kemal Yazici is founder of Bedia Gallery, an art gallery and studio located in Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. 

What does your company do?

Currently Bedia Gallery is exhibiting my artworks. However, in the very near future we will work together with Turkish and German artists and curators. Also, in the long term we plan to become a platform that advances local artists in the region. 

What do you look for when hiring talent?

My motive is always to find people that have a unique way of looking at things. I hope to collaborate at Bedia with other artists. I intend to give them an opportunity to elevate their profiles to the next level. 

What counts for more – luck or hard work? 

I believe that hard work counts for more. In life, it’s important to consciously set a target and do everything possible to achieve it. It’s also critical to adopt a positive attitude. This helps in staying on track and navigating through the tough times. 

I believe luck can contribute to about 25 percent of your success. The rest is on you and the amount of effort you are ready to put in to get where you want to in life. 

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What was your biggest ‘lucky’ moment? 

My luckiest moment is being able to pursue my passion by being a full-time artist and having a space of my own for creating art. I’m grateful to live in Dubai, this beautiful city that is the epitome of innovation and advancement.

What one thing do you wish you’d done differently?  

I wish I had started my art career earlier, about 10-15 years ago.

If you could rule the world for a day, what three things would you change? 

1. I would strive to ensure that the basic humanitarian needs such as food, water and shelter of all the people on this earth are met. I think development can only be possible when we fulfil people’s essential needs. 
2. I would endeavour to stop all wars and violence in our world for humanity to live in harmony.
3. Finally, I would make sure that the children who are not able to afford art have easy access to art supplies and a place to learn. 

What three factors do entrepreneurs misjudge about the Gulf market?

1. Setting up a new business is easier here, because the governmental agencies are helpful throughout the process.
2. There is also ease of access to a pool of educated and talented individuals in every possible avenue. 
3. The Gulf market has emerged as a global hub for trade due to a highly diversified economy, efficient logistics infrastructure and low operational costs. In the art market, even though there is growing competition, I believe everyone can find their own niche target audience and thrive in this region. 

Dream mentor?

As an architect, I’ve considered Dietmar Eberle as my dream mentor. Eberle is an Austrian architect who has also been a professor in several North American and European universities. He’s a winner of more than 150 national and international competitions. When I was studying architecture in university, we visited his office at Baumschlager Eberle Architekten in Austria. Since then, I’ve admired Eberle’s work. His design is deeply rooted in values of minimalism and creating architecture that increases the quality of life for society.

Bedia Gallery