January 8-28
Sezgin Güvel and Ahmet Yakar’s photography exhibition “Refinery,” which takes industrial labor as an artistic focus, is continuing at the Istanbul Association of Photography and Cinema, or İFSAK.
“We would like to reflect the life of working people in the middle of melting metals, flames and smoke. We photographed how the red and yellow color of fire looks near human bodies,” Yakar said.
The duo first went to a refinery to take a couple of photos but was inspired by what they saw and consequently decided to work in the refinery, eventually creating an exhibition with the photos they took there.
“We witnessed how [the laborers] work and in which conditions they work. Then we started to be in their lives and shared their grief and happiness,” said Güvel.
“We tried to tell the tale of refinery workers and the refinery in those photographs,” said Güvel, noting that it was very important that everyone realize the job such workers do is very difficult.
“However, how hard it is, they are happy,” Yakar said.
Address: İFSAK, İstiklal Cad. Ayhan Işık Sok. No.32/2 34433 Beyoğlu