Interpretation is crucial. I come from a place where, contrary to Cervantes’ original intention, the notion of ‘adapting to the herd’ has been firmly drilled into the recesses of people’s minds as Don Quixote’s main theme.Alas, for this massacre, Don Quixote could never have a special place in my world of introspection. Instead, I have a special bond with a publication of Don Quixote illustration.

The Spanish Culture, resides in the backstreets of Taksim, on Tarlabasi Boulevard. And on its entrance, a giant flag with Picasso’s Don Quixote illustration daintily waves wig shops’ across the boulevard, where trans’ are finally being treated as queens. Up in the street while everyone parades in their Savoir-faire characters, yet Tarlabasi stands as a place where all kinds of filth, action, and the myriad shades of life coexist, making it a true representation of reality. Despite the glorification of the herd in schools, the depiction of Don Quixote stands in Tarlabasi like a delicate monument, proud and defiant.

When i was making this painting, during thinking-creating-thinking process, I’ve seen a resemblance of that illustration, of what it represents to me. Thus, I named it after his beloved Dulcinea and I’m dedicating Tħulcinæ to Cervantes and all rebellent outsiders.