Moments Everyone Sees but Doesn’t Pay Attention To: Deniz Sabuncu
When the enchantment of Istanbul meets the visual arts, it gives rise to magnificent imagery. We find ourselves in the universe of Deniz Sabuncu, whose perspective on the city never fails to amaze us each time.
Deniz, who has been taking photographs since the age of 3, says, ‘They still talk about how much I insisted on getting my first camera from my grandmother.’ She emphasizes that she has always had a great interest in photography since those days. Amidst the rapidly updating visual memory of social media, Deniz chooses Istanbul as a magical playground and describes her photographs inspired by Istanbul, which she defines as ‘old but surprising,’ as the product of a process of capturing ‘strange moments that everyone sees but doesn’t pay attention to.’ Deniz defines the differentiating aspect of photography as ‘It should show me things I’m not accustomed to seeing.’ The subtleties in her visual world are a part of her keen observational skills. ‘I don’t know how I come across in the photos, but I’m not someone who easily communicates with people. I like to keep my distance and observe. I capture something different when I see something unusual happening, and then I continue on my way.’ With this explanation, we continue with her frame through the streets of Istanbul, where she takes an average of 30,000 steps a day, capturing intriguing details.
What is the connection between passion and inspiration?
Lately, how possible is it to dream?
What is an artist’s greatest fear?
How do you define power?
How challenging is it to place Istanbul at the center of your creative process?
Falling in love in the ‘modern’ era?
Does the term ‘Arabesque’ scare you?
Take us back to your childhood Istanbul.
How has the time until 2023 been for you so far?
Iınterview by Duygu Bengi