Istanbul’s vibrant art scene welcomes a new gallery dedicated to the timeless beauty of historic photographic techniques. 1851.gallery opens its doors with a captivating exhibition showcasing the platinum palladium prints of Avni Lifij, a celebrated Turkish painter from the influential ”1914 generation.”
The exhibition, curated by dr.Necmi Sonnez, unveils a collection of 36 glass negatives meticulously preserved within Lifij’s family archives. These negatives, produced by Studio 1851 over a six-month period using the intricate platinum palladium printing process, offer a glimpse into Istanbul and Ankara during the early 20th century, more than a century after the photographs were originally captured.
Lifij’s photographs provide a fascinating window into the lives and working conditions of the “1914 generation” of artists. The exhibition features intimate portraits of family members alongside skillfully staged self-portraits, revealing previously unknown details about Lifij’s life through his masterful lens.
“Avni Lifij : “Sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph””
the exhibition poses a thought-provoking question: were these photographs a tool or the ultimate goal of Lifij’s artistic expression? As a pioneering member of the painter-photographer movement and a champion of modernism, Lifij’s work invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between photography and art.
The exhibition runs until January 18, 2025, at 1851.gallery, located in the Edin & Suner Plaza in Istanbul. for more data, visit www.1851.gallery.
Istanbul’s 1851.gallery Unveils the Artistic Vision of Avni Lifij Through Historic Photographic Prints
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Istanbul’s burgeoning art scene is graced with a new gallery dedicated to preserving the beauty and history of photographic art. 1851.gallery opens its doors with a captivating exhibition featuring the platinum palladium prints of Avni Lifij, a renowned Turkish painter and key figure of the influential “1914 generation”. Curated by Dr. Necmi Sonnez, the exhibition showcases 36 glass negatives meticulously preserved from Lifij’s family archives. Produced over six months by Studio 1851 using the intricate platinum palladium process, these prints offer a unique glimpse into Istanbul and Ankara during the early 20th century.
the exhibition, titled “Avni Lifij: Sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph,” probes a thought-provoking question: were these photographs a tool or the ultimate goal of Lifij’s artistic expression? As a champion of modernism and a pioneer of the painter-photographer movement, Lifij’s work challenges viewers to consider the intersection of photography and art.
Unlocking Lifij’s artistic Legacy: A Conversation with Dr. Necmi Sonnez
To delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this captivating exhibition, we spoke with Dr. Necmi Sonnez, the exhibition’s curator.Dr.Sonnez is a renowned art historian specializing in Turkish modernist art with a particular focus on the “1914 generation.”
A Window into a Bygone Era
WTN: Dr. Sonnez, these platinum palladium prints offer a remarkable glimpse into Istanbul and Ankara over a century ago. What can these photographs tell us about the lives and working conditions of the “1914 generation” of artists?
Dr. Sonnez: these images offer an intimate portrait of their daily lives, their studios, and their social circles. Lifij expertly captured the vibrancy and intellectual ferment of the period, offering valuable insights into the artistic and social landscape of early 20th-century Turkey.
Art Through the Lens: Photography as a Medium
WTN: lifij was both a painter and a photographer. How did these two artistic pursuits inform and influence each other in his work?
Dr. Sonnez: Lifij saw photography not as a mere documentation tool but as a powerful medium of artistic expression. He experimented with composition, light, and shadow, pushing the boundaries of the photographic medium and blurring the lines between painting and photography.
“Avni Lifij : “sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph””
The Enduring Power of Lifij’s Vision
WTN: the exhibition’s title is a powerful statement. Could you elaborate on Lifij’s belief that “art is not a Kodak photograph”?
Dr. Sonnez: Lifij believed that true art went beyond mere technical reproducibility. He saw art as a means of conveying emotions, ideas, and a unique vision of the world. Photography, in his hands, became a tool for artistic exploration and expression, not just a mechanical representation of reality.
An Invitation to Discovery
Dr. Sonnez, thank you for shedding light on the captivating intersection of art and photography embodied in Avni Lifij’s work. “Avni Lifij: Sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph,” is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in the history of Turkish art and the evolution of photography as an artistic medium.
The exhibition runs until January 18, 2025, at 1851.gallery, located in the Edin & Suner Plaza in istanbul. For more data, please visit www.1851.gallery.
don’t miss this opportunity to explore the captivating artistry of Avni Lifij. share your thoughts and impressions with us in the comments below!
