In our exclusive interview today, we delve into the artistic mind of a photographer whose work is as evocative as it is technically masterful. Through their lens, emotions are not merely captured, but intricately woven into a fabric of visual storytelling that transcends the ordinary. This artist's unique blend of sensitivity and technique brings to life the moments that would otherwise be fleeting, crafting narratives that speak to the soul.
We explore their sources of inspiration, which span the realms of cinema, literature, and the myriad events of daily life. Their approach to creativity is an elegant dance with reality, capturing the essence of life's moments with a profound depth and understanding.
Their artwork is a vibrant testament to cultural and personal identity, intertwining these elements to invite viewers to contemplate and appreciate the rich tapestry of human experience. With a perspective shaped by a diverse range of influences, this artist's work challenges conventional notions, urging us to ponder the simplicity and complexity of life in equal measure.
Join us as we uncover the evolution of their artistic style, the pivotal challenges they've faced, and the resilience that has defined their journey. We'll delve into their creative process, from the initial concept to the meticulous execution, and explore how their environment and experiences shape their artistic expression.
This conversation is more than just an insight into the artistry of a remarkable photographer. It is a journey into the heart of creativity, exploring the role of art in society, the influence of digital platforms, and the future aspirations of an artist who continually pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the world of photography.
Artistic Inspiration:Â Your artwork exhibits a profound blend of emotion and technique. What are your primary sources of inspiration, and how do they shape your creative process?
Emotions without technique are just personal thoughts that may not appeal to the audience. After years of photography, it's hard to say what inspires me. But cinema, books, and all the daily events I am involved in have been and are my inspiration. My sensitivity to moments, whether in life or in the books I read, is the reason for sensitivity to the moment I record... but it is all life and its events that create the atmosphere of my works. Creativity in my work is an elegant look at everything I encounter.
Cultural and Personal Identity: "Your pieces often reflect a rich tapestry of cultural and personal identity. How do you intertwine these elements in your Art, and what message do you aim to convey through this fusion?"
I only know about cultures through movies and books that I have read. I did not see them closely, and I do not entirely understand them, but I am aware of the details of a culture. At least I know this about my country and the few trips I have made to the surrounding countries. I look at all the cultural details with my personal criteria, which are recorded in my works with the same look. I am not looking to show any particular message. Sometimes, this answer surprises my audience. Sometimes, unconsciously, I want to express simplicity and glory simultaneously. But all that is reflected in my works are things that make a little sense to me when I look back. Most of the time, during photography or in my thoughts before photography, I only see immature images, and I need to give them physicality by thinking about the technical process.Â
Evolution of Style: "How has your artistic style evolved over the years? Are there any key experiences or influences significantly shaping your current approach?"
I am still confused about the formation of my personal style. It could be because I love photography and am reckless with the photographic medium. I greatly value and respect my audiences, so their opinion is never necessary!! It may be strange, but my study sources are anything but photography sources (except for technical points). Therefore, the conditions are better for me to have a personal view.
For this reason, there are weaknesses and deficiencies in producing my work, but the disadvantage I have reached with my thinking is more valuable to me. Every event and tip we learn affects our work style over time. If we give ourselves time and be patient.
Challenges and Resilience: "The journey of an artist is filled with challenges and triumphs. Could you share a challenging period in your artistic career and how you navigated through it?"
There are definitely many good and bad days for everyone in their career. The worst time for me was when I thought my work level was great and I was a great photographer. Difficulties such as the disregard of the audience and lack of money have always existed. But pride and what is destructive from within was my hardest battle. If you don't realize that you are weak and full of flaws, you may continue on the wrong path and never open your eyes to the reality of yourself and your actions. There came a time when I got to know some of the great photographers of all time and their lives, and suddenly, I realized that I was like a drop in the ocean. Those days, after many years, I found a sense of contempt for myself. At the moment, I am calm and patiently engaged in work that I do not attach any level to and only express a part of my inner self.
Artistic Process and Techniques: "Your technique and attention to detail are remarkable. Could you describe your artistic process, from the initial concept to the final execution?"
My work process sometimes goes in different ways. I usually see messy images. For these images, I push myself and try to understand the technical path to make that image a reality. In this situation, little by little, more details of the image become clear. Sometimes, it takes a long time to get the exact details of the image and start shooting. Sometimes, the image in my mind is immature, but I have to trust my imagination and let it find itself during photography. I am only sometimes successful, but this gives me intuition, and that intuition often leads to things better than any thought. I usually make decisions about the details when working with my models, such as clothes and style, the photography environment, choosing models and figures, and even makeup. My selfish dictatorship has often helped and sometimes ruined my work process.
Influence of Environment: "How does your immediate environment or the places you have visited influence your artwork?"
Every person's living environment affects his /her view of the world. However, this effect may not be reflected in the works of a photographer. In my case, a society that will fail, people whose circumstances bring more suffering than happiness... a city where color is of little use, and a life that is spent most of the time in loneliness and personal imagination have influenced my works. I never really thought about it. But I remember reading somewhere that they said about my work that it is dark, and even if the model is smiling and the work is for a fashion client, darkness is still conveyed in the photos!!
The Role of Art in Society: "In your opinion, what role does Art play in society today, especially in the context of cultural and social dialogue?"
I always thought that Art could have a powerful effect on society. These days, my belief has changed a little. The events that our world and my country faced played a significant role in changing my perspective. In short, Art is like a loud, absurd cry these days. It is heard.. for a moment, everyone pays attention to that sound, turns back, and continues. My definition may be strange for the people of a society like America, but I have not seen that Art is as effective as they give it a great place in social interactions. Maybe it caused me to be introduced to you and another person at another institution, and that's it.
Advice for Emerging Artists: "Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to emerging artists who aspire to develop their own unique voice in the Art world?"
I advise artists not to get involved in the advice of others! Do their own work and don't even try to be heard. Because an artist's voice is the works he creates, there may be institutions, galleries, and others who need advice instead of artists. They are the ones who need to understand how to recognize real artists and how to see them in this surrounding world.Â
Future Projects and Aspirations: "Are there any new themes, techniques, or projects you are currently exploring or wish to explore soon?"
On future projects, I have thoughts about colors that I want to start working on soon. Very low contrasted colors. Regarding the content of my work, if there is a possibility to travel, I think about the USA, Japan, and some African countries. These three cultures have always attracted me, and I try to see my eyes in those situations. And I have a lot of curiosity about the images I record.
Impact of Digital Platforms: "How have digital platforms like Instagram influenced your work and its reach? Do you find these platforms beneficial for artists regarding exposure and community engagement?"
Platforms have positive and negative points at the same time. Instagram has had a good effect on my work in creating some connections. Still, this platform, despite its algorithms and rules, causes personal pieces that are entirely devoted to photography to be invisible. As a person who is a bit introverted, and the still image is of particular value to me, I need a better place on a platform like Instagram. Of course, I prefer to display my photos in photography media and in a more reliable place, and this is currently a more important concern for me than Instagram.