6/17/2015

Wrinkles of the City, Istanbul


"Wrinkles of the City" portrait in Galata, overlooking the Golden Horn

A friend, Juliana, and I decided to go in search of the "Wrinkles of the city, Istanbul". This is a series of images by the French artist, JR. They are part of a project begun in 2008 in an effort to portray urbanisation in different cities of the world. "Wrinkles" refers to the faces of the elderly affected by the changes and upheavals they have experienced in city life. The portraits are huge, each covering the whole side of a building, forcing the locals to experience JR's massive images.


The Galata Tower looms over one of JR's portraits in Istanbul


An elderly couple cling together, on the side of a warehouse beside the Golden Horn



Many of the images are already damaged by the weather...


...and others have been vandalised


This one in Balat is still in good condition.

Although JR installed 15 images throughout Istanbul, we only managed to find a handful of them. We had a fun day, however, walking in interesting parts of the city, and riding up the Golden Horn in one of the smaller ferry boats. There is always something fun to do in Istanbul.

Elizabeth Coughlan 


6/08/2015

Photography Trek to Kadirga, Istanbul


Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Mosque

Although it was pouring with rain, the intrepid members of our photography club, braved the elements and travelled to Kadirga, an area of Istanbul. Our first stop was the Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, which was unfortunately closed, although we did have access to the courtyard.

This mosque, designed by Sinan the Architect, was built in 1571 in the name of the Sokullu Mehmed Pasa, a prominent Grand Vizier in the Ottoman period. It was built on the site of the Aya Anastasia Church dating from the Byzantine period.


The beautiful calligraphy over the entrance to the mosque


Intricate carvings in the wall of the mosque


One of our members decided to photograph the carvings from a different angle


We carried on walking through the wet, rainy streets running with water


We found some interesting graffiti...


...very artistic!


Many of the buildings in this area retain their original form...


...and the streets are quite charming...


...as are some of its inhabitants.

Despite the weather, we had a really interesting day. Thanks to everyone who braved the weather.

Elizabeth Coughlan

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I couldn't resist this one!