Transformer by Sevim Sancaktar (April 27, 2010) 
(16 votes, average: 2.81 out of 5)
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Introduction by Sinem Yoruk
In a world full of codes, there is a real sense of need to somehow connect to something, anything, in this somewhat cold, mechanical, digitalized place that we live in. We ignore our relationship to nature, take it for granted and feel lost when cut off from it. Though nature, in merciless ways reminds us, not to push boundaries. Even with the least threat it may impose, we could all be grounded in Europe for hours, days and even weeks with just the tip of a volcano. We seem to loose touch with our inner selves and struggle to engage with others. Yet, we are desperate to find a connection between ourselves and others, to bond through similar backgrounds, memories and ideology. In my selection of young artists, we can feel the engagement of everyday life thoroughly, whether it be the effects of the financial crisis, social restraint or dependency on technological evolution. The shared vision of these artists is based on the actual impact of these issues on our lives.
This week is curated by Sinem Yoruk, the director and owner of Elipsis Gallery, she is a specialist in contemporary photography, photographic and fine art printing.
Next / Cheap Copies Of Brand Products Sell Well On The Beach / Previous / A Map Of Public Life Through Autobiographical Scenes /
Our poll "A photo essay always needs a great written story" closed. 267 people voted, 28% agrees, 72% disagrees. 233 people answered our follow-up question "Are you a photographer?" 82% indicated they are, 18% said no. Initially, negative answers to question #1 were almost 100% as was the pecentage of photographers among respondants. Then, when the level of non-photographers started to rise, the percentage of people indicating good text is always essential started to rise too. This seems to indicate that non-photographers think that adding good text to your photo essays is essential. In my opinion: if you want non-photographers to dig your work, you know what to do...
In her series Transformer, Sevim Sancaktar takes close-ups of the wall illusions painted on electrical transformers throughout Istanbul and some surrounding cities. A representation of their time as well as a deformed reflection of urban history, architectural element as much as artistic expression, these images form a social and cultural portrait of the town; A city, eclectic as much as electric, that merges the occidental with the oriental, the classical with the contemporary, thus creating a utopical anachronism.
Playing on the deceptive and aesthetic function of her subject, the photographer creates a new illusion by taking away from reality its three-dimensional essence. The square format, due to the systematic composition using the upper two thirds for the transformer and the lower third for the ground, reveals this mirage. Far from disappointing, these trompe-l’œils full of stains and traces offer an optimistic and universal vision of reality. Apprehended in two dimensions – tangible, on the one hand, imaginary on the other -, it opens the doors to a new world. And it is this infinite universe that Sevim Sancaktar explores with furious energy. Text by Laurence Cornet.
Sevim Sancaktar (1984) lives and works in Istanbul, Turkey.
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