A Century Later: Rediscovering Avni Lifij through Rare Photographs
Istanbul‘s 1851.gallery unveils a captivating exhibition showcasing the life and artistry of Avni Lifij, a prominent Turkish painter of the 1914 generation. The exhibition, titled "Avni Lifij: ‘Sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph,’" presents 36 exquisite platinum palladium prints, meticulously produced from a collection of glass negatives preserved for over a century.
A Glimpse into the 1914 Generation
Curated by Dr. Necmi Sonnez, the exhibition offers a remarkable window into the early 20th-century Turkish art scene, revealing the living and working conditions of the "1914 generation" through Lifij’s evocative lens. Taken in Istanbul and Ankara, the portraits offer not just artistic compositions, but also detailed glimpses into the everyday lives of artists, capturing the social nuances of the era.
Lifij’s photographs are more than just snapshots; they are skillfully staged self-portraits and portraits of family members, each one a testament to his mastery of photographic technique and his keen eye for detail. Through these images, we uncover unknown facets of Lifij’s life, experiencing the immediacy and authenticity of his artistic vision.
Beyond the Lens: Exploring Lifij’s Creative Journey
The exhibition invites viewers to ponder a fundamental question: Did Lifij consider photography a tool in his artistic pursuit or a distinct artistic goal in itself? Lifij, a pioneering member of the generation of painter-photographers who embraced modernism, blurred the boundaries between painting and photography.
His photographs, imbued with a painter’s eye for composition and light, raise intriguing questions about the relationship between these two art forms in early 20th-century Turkey. "Sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph," Lifij once declared, a statement that continues to resonate through his profound and meticulously crafted photographic works.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition "Avni Lifij: ‘Sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph’"
runs through January 18, 2205.
1851.gallery
Edin & Suner Plaza 3A
Meydan Sokak No.14 Akatlar
İstanbul 34335 Turkey
www.1851.gallery
In what ways do the platinum palladium prints on display offer a unique perspective on Lifij’s life and artistic vision compared to other forms of photographic reproduction?
## A Century Later: Rediscovering Avni Lifij
**(Intro Music)**
**Host:** Welcome back to Art & Culture Today. Joining us today is Dr. Necmi Sonnez, curator of the fascinating new exhibition “Avni Lifij: ‘Sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph,’ ” opening at Istanbul’s 1851.gallery. Welcome to the show, Dr. Sonnez.
**Dr. Sonnez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** This exhibition promises a unique look at the work of Avni Lifij, a prominent Turkish painter from the 1914 generation. Could you tell us more about him and his significance?
**Dr. Sonnez:** Avni Lifij was a pivotal figure in Turkish art. He was part of a generation of artists who witnessed the dramatic changes transforming Turkey in the early 20th century. Lifij’s work reflected this period of transition, blending traditional Turkish motifs with modernist influences. [[1](https://loeildelaphotographie.com/en/1851-gallery-avni-lifij-sorry-to-say-but-art-is-not-a-kodak-photograph/)]
**Host:** The exhibition features 36 platinum palladium prints, produced from glass negatives discovered in Lifij’s family collection. That sounds incredible! Can you elaborate on the significance of this printing process and the rarity of these images?
**Dr. Sonnez:** These prints are truly special. The platinum palladium process was popular in the early 20th century, prized for its exquisite tonal range and permanence. It’s a labor-intensive technique, making these prints exceptionally rare and valuable. They offer a remarkably detailed and intimate glimpse into Lifij’s life and artistic vision. [[1](https://loeildelaphotographie.com/en/1851-gallery-avni-lifij-sorry-to-say-but-art-is-not-a-kodak-photograph/)]
**Host:** It’s remarkable that these negatives were preserved for over a century.
**Dr. Sonnez:** Indeed. It’s a testament to the care taken by Lifij’s family in safeguarding his legacy.
**Host:** What can visitors expect to see and learn from this exhibition?
**Dr. Sonnez:** “Avni Lifij: ‘Sorry to say but art is not a Kodak photograph,’ “ is not just an exhibition of stunning photographs. It’s a journey through time, a window into the life and times of a remarkable artist. Visitors will experience the beauty and artistry of Lifij’s work, gain insights into the 1914 generation, and appreciate the historical significance of these rare photographs.
**Host:** Thank you so much for sharing these insights, Dr. Sonnez. It sounds like a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in art, history, and Turkey’s cultural heritage.
**Dr. Sonnez:** Thank you for having me. I encourage everyone to visit 1851.gallery and experience this unique exhibition for themselves.
**(Outro Music)**
