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Istanbul's Architecture Becomes Abstract Art in New Photo Series

Yener Torun told us the stories behind his colorful, modern photos of the ancient city.
Standardization - Besiktas District, IstanbulAll images courtesy the artist

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Photographer Yener Torun thinks the modern side of Istanbul is tragically obscured by its ancient heritage. His ongoing photo series, published through his @cimkedi Instagram account, captures the vibrant colors and geometric patterns of recent architectural additions that are dwarfed by what he calls, "old streets, grand mosques, fishermen, seagulls over the Bosphorus, etc."

"Istanbul is exotic and mystical for sure, but it is also a modern city," he explains to The Creators Project. His images have pushed this idea into the public perception over the course of the past week, but we wanted to know the stories behind some of his favorite pictures. Yener Torun gave us some exclusive pictures, told us about Reservoir Dogs and cities-as-interfaces, and gave us insight into how he captures Turkey's largest city through a new lens.

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Hello, My Name Is Yener And I'm A Symmetry Addict - Beykoz District, Istanbul

I usually visit these places more than once and sometimes at various times of same day to observe the different light and shadow effects, in order to see how I can use the background differently. Staging the interaction of people with architecture helps me to create my own universe with the rules I make.

Mexican Hardcore- Kartal District, Istanbul

Geometry, patterns and colors help me define these rules and the architectural backdrop loses its original purpose. Combining bright colors, strong lines, geometric patterns, light and shadows in my compositions, I redefine the purposes of architectural elements and the human figure interacting with these elements gives the viewer some clues about their new function.

PacMan Goes Cannibal- Avcilar District, Istanbul

I approach these walls as if they are canvases and I picture a story which takes in an alternate universe with its own physics. This makes my work more layered than it looks at first glance—while keeping the intention to show unknown, modern and colorful side of the city, it also opens a window into my inner world. And it provides a connection between me and the viewers using the colorful treats of the city as interfaces.

Reservoir Dogs - Esenler District, Istanbul

I love the picture "Reservoir Dogs." It was taken last summer and it is not a staged one. The composition in that photo is very similar to a scene towards the end of the motion picture with the same title, where everyone points their guns at each other. In my photograph the pistols are the cameras: the girl points her camera to someone unknown, the security camera is pointing at the girl, and I am pointing my pistol—my camera—at both of them. Even I am a part of the composition by "shooting" them. And also the color of the wall is very rich and it makes the image even more powerful. I really love it. It is truly one of my favorite candid shots.

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Little Drawers- Sisli District, Istanbul

Another favorite is "Little Drawers." I love it because I spent  half a day to capture it. I visited that place at various times on that day to study the movement of shadow and its effects and I am really satisfied with the result. With patience—and of course, luck—I got I wanted. I also love it for its orange balconies which provide strong shadows. They are also really funny and interesting as architectural details.

Alternate Route - Zeytinburnu District, Istanbul

The last photo I want to talk about is "Alternate Route." I love it because it perfectly represents the final form of my concept that I tried to explain in the essay. It has its own reality, own rules and architectural elements, colors and geometry helps to define these rules and interaction of the human element makes these rules even more clear. And additionally it is a funny picture and I really intend to compose and title  my photos in the most fun way possible and I am proud of the result.

This Is Happenning  -  Maltepe District, Istanbul

Intersection-Fatih District, Istanbul

You Can't Handle The Truth - Bahcelievler District, Istanbul

Visit Yener Torun's Instagram for more stunning images of cities all over Turkey.

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