This summer, Foam is thrilled to unveil the exhibition A Play of Light and Shadow, a tribute to Ara Güler, one of Turkey’s most legendary photographers. His profound love for Istanbul and Turkey is evident from his evocative black and white photographs. The exhibition is a close collaboration between Foam, co-curator Ahmet Polat and the Ara Güler Museum.
The exhibition provides the opportunity to explore iconic and unknown parts of Ara Güler’s oeuvre as a renowned photojournalist who captured the essence of Turkey and the world beyond. Through four sections, The Iconic, The Historic, The Ambassador, and The Personal, the visitor is immersed in Güler’s photographic practice from his iconic work as a photojournalist to his remarkable experimental work. Ara Güler A Play of Light and Shadow serves as a testament to Turkey’s rich history and offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving Turkish identity.
Ara Güler (1928-2018) was a prominent photojournalist and a driving force in Turkish photography. Celebrated as ‘The Eye of Istanbul’, his poignant black and white images of this city’s inhabitants, streets and docks remain his most celebrated works. Ara Güler immortalized numerous famous artists and political figures throughout his illustrious career.
Ara Güler
A Play of Light and Shadow
23 June – 8 November 2023
Foam
Keizersgracht 609
1017 DS Amsterdam
The Netherlands
www.foam.org
Florya, Istanbul, 1948 © Ara Güler / Ara Güler Museum
Galata Docks, Istanbul, 1962 © Ara Güler / Ara Güler Museum
Old Galata Bridge, Istanbul, 1957 © Ara Güler / Ara Güler Museum
The Golden Horn, Istanbul, 1955 © Ara Güler / Ara Güler Museum
Tophane, Istanbul, 1958 © Ara Güler / Ara Güler Museum
Yakacik, Istanbul, 1949 © Ara Güler / Ara Güler Museum
