Perşembe Pazarı Projects
2011-12 Layered - Karaköy
A single photograph is printed 8 - 10 times, each layer cut out, recreating the scene in three physical dimensions. Taking inspiration from the rare Turkish craft of low-relief, layered photographs, Julie Upmeyer uses photographs taken in the hardware district of Karaköy. Instead of the traditional sweeping Bosporus scenes and Ottoman-era villages contained in the more traditional katlı (layered) pieces, Upmeyer focuses more on the chaotic, crumbling ancient storehouses, art nouveau style workplaces, and less inspiring 1980s office buildings.
From her studio is on the 6th floor of Caravansarai, looking down over the narrow street, Upmeyer sees barely enough room for one car, yet there is a constant flow of motorized vehicles, carts, cats and deliveries. She is particularly attracted to the signage of the neighborhood. The telephone and fax numbers, ball bearing or welding machine company logos, and other advertising is particularly fascinating. With everything on such a compact and contained scale, the depth and perspective of the street gets skewed, both when viewed from above or on street level. These photo sculptures simultaneously replicate as well as alter the perspective of these narrow streets.
Installation view as part of the Perşembe Pazarı Projects Preview Exhibition on June 17th, 2012
