The Contrast that Carefully Builds Worlds

When we are walking towards the sole concept of ‘One World’, there are certain disparities that has not just divided us, but sadly enough they also define the paradox we live in. The contrast of these two separate worlds can be seen vividly across all countries, even in our daily lives. From high-rises being erected just next to a massive slum; gender discriminations often blatantly happening in broad daylight; even based on religion several divisions have repeatedly portrayed a stark contrast of the society we have built.

The same contrast overwhelmed the mind of a Turkish artist which led to his innovative study of contrast. Ugur Gallenkus, an Istanbul based artist, has taken the internet by storm through his photographs, that uniquely depict the contrast that we live in today. In some of his juxtaposes photos, he puts light on several humanitarian and social issues; like at one hand there are countries that have been torn apart by war while on the other hand, many enjoy a luxurious life without being bothered by the other half. Apart from war he has put light on hunger, oppression, education and several other issues through his collages. He has been doing photomontages for closely 4-5 years, but the growing tension in the Middle East as the vicious result of the Syrian War had a different effect not just on him but the entire world.

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As the phrase goes, ‘a picture says a thousand words’, in the two sides of his montage; if one side shows a child in the modern western world carrying books, in a striking contrast the rest shows a child carrying guns. In another picture, a soldier is seen hitting a citizen on the ground, while on the other hand, a footballer is seen kicking the ball in the exact same manner, and the contrast keeps going.

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Living in Turkey the idea dawned upon him when he became aware of his neighbouring nations that has for so long been infected by war, conflict and the complex situation these people face on a daily basis just asking for a peaceful, normal life. This crisis spurred this deep contrast to his eye and his idea derives from the empathy he feels for these people who are in need for help. His attempts to portray this polarity is not just about awareness but he also deeply believes and hopes the world will reconsider the way it wants to represent humanity in future.

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