This summer Foam is thrilled to unveil the exhibition A Play of Light and Shadow, a tribute to Ara Güler, one of Turkey's most legendary photographers. His profound love for Istanbul and Turkey is evident from his evocative black and white photographs. The exhibition is a close collaboration between Foam, co-curator Ahmet Polat and the Ara Güler Archives and Research Center.

The exhibition provides the opportunity to explore iconic and unknown parts of Ara Güler’s oeuvre as a renowned photojournalist who captured the essence of Turkey and the world beyond. Through four sections, The Iconic, The Historic, The Ambassador, and The Personal, the visitor is immersed into Güler’s photographic practice from his iconic work as a photojournalist to his remarkable experimental work. Ara Güler - A Play of Light and Shadow serves as a testament to Turkey's rich history and offers a glimpse into the ever-evolving Turkish identity.

Ara Güler (1928-2018) was a prominent photojournalist and a driving force in Turkish photography. Celebrated as ‘The eye of Istanbul’, his poignant black and white images of this city’s inhabitants, streets and docks remain his most celebrated works. Ara Güler immortalized numerous famous artists and political figures throughout his illustrious career.

A Play of Light and Shadow by Ara Güler can be seen from 23 June - 9 November 2023 at Foam. Open daily 10 am-6 pm, Thurs/Fri 10 am-9 pm.