Cemre Yeşil Gönenli - seeking the hidden in photography and being an artist in todays Istanbul
The Photo Vault: A journey into Vernacular Photography, Archives and Photobooks
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The Photo Vault: A journey into Vernacular Photography, Archives and Photobooks
Cemre Yeşil Gönenli - seeking the hidden in photography and being an artist in todays Istanbul
Nov 22, 2023 Season 1 Episode 3
Lukas Birk, Cemre Yesil

In this episode, we are meeting with Cemre Yeşil Gönenli, an Istanbul-born and -based artist, photographer, and educator. She gives us insight into her quest for finding the invisible through photography, by looking at what cannot be seen in images. Cemre also talks about the current difficult situation for artists in Turkey and why inflation makes it so challenging to run a photo bookshop. She opened FILbooks a few years ago, a photobook cafe in the heart of the city. 

One of her recent books, "Hayal & Hakikat: A Handbook of Forgiveness & A Handbook of Punishment," deals with photographs commissioned by Abdul Hamid II, the 34th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Find out in the conversation how she uses these archival materials to discuss the current political situation.

Cemre also talks about becoming a mother while trying to maintain a rock 'n' roll lifestyle and why it is important to collaborate in this lonely field of photography.



Find out more:

Cemre’s website / Her Book shop 

Books: Hayal & Hakikat: A Handbook of Forgiveness & A Handbook of Punishment   / For Birds sake  

News report


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