Fine-art photographer, Julia Fullerton-Batten, has just completed a charity project, the profits of the sale of fourteen images are being donated UCIM.org.tr – a charity supporting survivors of the earthquake disaster.
Long a lover of the Turkish diaspora and fighting the urgent need for help she concentrated her images on the many talented Turkish artists living in London. They include the famous actress Bergüzar Korel with both female and male artists clothed in dresses created by Turkish fashion designer Bora Aksu. Among her models is also a young girl who survived the earthquake and now lives in London. Leith Clark, Fashion Editor from Harpers Bazaar, made a significant contribution as style editor.
Almost ominously, Julia tells us that she was due to go on a rather special assignment organized by 212 PhotographyIstanbul for the Turkish Travel Co ‘Go Turkiye’ in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. The aim of this invitation was to take pictures from this experience with the content of love, culture, and art that will contribute to the promotion of the destination …. a mere week before she was due to travel the earthquake struck in southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6. Her trip was postponed temporarily but when she did go a few weeks later she already thought of the need for a charity project and to include the scenic beauty of the area where she was the shooting as a backdrop to her images.
Julia says, “My images are my tribute to the earthquake victims in both countries. The models soar into the sky, a metaphor for the earthquake itself. Bora Aksu’s flowing ethereal dresses were perfect for this project. The images are theatrical, featuring distinctly dark tones. They highlight humanity’s vulnerability in the face of the violent forces of nature. I hope they resonate with the viewer and encourage them to respond to my appeal and by them”.
Reflections by the artists
Bergüzar Korel
“I am very happy to be a part of the project. I accepted to take part in it without further thought. From the moment we experienced the earthquake disaster, many people, both at home and abroad, contacted me. Julia was one of them. With my actor friend Susku, we got together with Julia, and rolled up our sleeves to make photographs that are truly great works of art”.
Susku Ekim Kaya
“Even though we are far from our country, the magnitude of the pain brought us together in this support campaign. With Julia’s efforts it has brought together many talented artists; among them musicians, actors, dancers and stylists. Even if we can’t bring back what we have lost, we can continue to support each other by being united. It is our responsibility to help earthquake victims in any way we can. Everyone, from a young girl, who outlived the earthquake and now lives in London, to Bergüzar Korel, went in front of the camera to help the people of the region with great excitement. We hope our and Julia’s combined work will give some support to the people affected by the earthquake”
Julia’s “FAULT LINE, Magnitude 7.8” images are now on sale at juliafullerton-batten.com for a limited period, available now 31st July 2023. She hopes passionate art collectors will support her charity effort.
