An Image is Worth a Thousand Words
Once an eye is opened, it can never be closed.
This week I would like to discuss an exhibition that I had a chance to experience last semester -"The Light from Ankara: Photographs by Othmar Pferschy". Born in Australia in 1898, he later became an established photographer before coming to Turkey in 1926. His original plan was to stay for just one week. However, after a month, he began working for a studio in Pera; Jean Weinberg's "Foto Francais". He eventually left to work independently, and opened his own studio in Beyoğlu in 1913. After a while, he closed up shop and made his way to İskenderun, where he kept viewing the world through his lens. Between 1935 and 1940, Pferschy became the "specialist photographer for Kemalist Turkey" before opening his studio for a second time in 1940. On his way to becoming a photographic master, he married and had three children. He passed away in 1984 after a rich life, filled with many contributions to the photographic world, and the Republic of Turkey.(1) His photographs magnificently captured the first days of our republic. His work carries an artistic value, while documenting an historical time from which few photographs have survived.
 A particularly interesting experience for me was seeing how Ankara looked in the old days. The first thing that became obvious was just how much the population of Ankara has grown. The pictures illustrate how this city, and the nation it is the capital of, has developed over the years. Although the exhibition is long over, I would recommend to anyone interested in extraordinary representations of Ankara, and the early days of modern Turkey to explore the works of Othmar Pferschy. Istanbul Modern has published a gorgeous book, featuring works from his collection, which can help get you started.
The picture included with this article is a perfect example of why I enjoy Pferschy's work. Here you can see how effectively he uses light and composition to create a unique perspective. The attention of the viewer becomes focused on the man at the left. This is in no small part due to setting the barred gate to the right of the photo, allowing its sweeping, downward top line to draw the eye to subject. Additionally, the presence of the gate in the image breaks the monotony of symmetry, and in my opinion, demands more attention from the viewer. Furthermore, we have been presented with the "golden ratio", expertly used by a brilliant eye. (2)
There can be much more said about this stunning image, however,
I don't think it's necessary. Sometimes, over analysis can take away from the pure enjoyment of a beautiful picture. What I will say, however, is that there are so many amazing photographers working in Turkey who remain undeservedly unknown. Get out, go to exhibits, see what is on offer, and experience Turkey through the eyes of someone else, as I did, through the works of Othmar Pferschy.
Farewell….
1 http://www.eczacibasi.com/
articles/detail/detail1.asp?id=832&archive=1
2 www.cornucopia.ne
Alev Değim (COMD/III)
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