Istanbul-based artist Uğur Gallenkuş creates digital photo collages as a way to encourage social change in our often volatile world. Last year, he began placing side-by-side photographs depicting the relative safety and luxury of Western culture with the war-torn Middle East. The differences are as striking as they are heartbreaking. In his ongoing series, the West is shown as a place of consumerism and excess while people in countries like Syria are facing grave destruction and ultimately fighting to stay alive.
Gallenkuş believes that art transcends all languages. We can look at one of his images—like that of a child playing in sand for fun juxtaposed with a child living in dirt due to poverty—and instantly understand that while one population can simply frolic in nature's beauty, the other is struggling to survive each day. These digital collages can be hard to view, but they achieve the overall goal of Gallenkuş’ work—to raise awareness and awaken us to the injustices taking place near and far.
For even more eye-opening collages, follow Gallenkuş on his popular Instagram account.
Istanbul-based artist Uğur Gallenkuş creates heart-breaking juxtapositions of Western culture and the war-torn Middle East.
The ongoing series depicts how the West enjoys life's luxuries while the other part of the world faces extreme violence and destruction.
Each digital collage is a wakeup call, urging people to be aware of the duality of the world we all live in.
In addition to still images, Gallenkuş has recently started experimenting with videos:
Uğur Gallenkuş: Instagram | Twitter
My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Uğur Gallenkuş.
This article has been edited and updated.
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