WHO?
My name is Asli Gonen, I live in Turkey, in a small city in Central Anatolia. I was particularly interested in art, painting and with the introduction of the Internet and digital photography in our lives, I eventually turned to photography.
I started to subscribe to photo sites on the Internet and for a long time I just watched. Then I bought a small compact camera, thinking why I don’t I do it too?
I did not receive any training in photography. I developed myself completely by my observations and reading. I practiced on the streets all the time. Being on the streets, documenting those ordinary, simple moments makes me happy.
WHAT?
From the first moment I became interested in photography, I was only interested in street photography, and I am looking for order in chaos. I also like to add my own shadow, silhouette or reflection to the composition, this gives me pleasure.
WHERE?
Actually, I can say that I am a bit unlucky because I live in a small city, but still, Eskişehir is a city that offers me ample opportunities due to the large population of young people. It is also a chance for me to have to travel sometimes due to my job. I can also document different lives and cultures.
As a result, the streets are always interesting, wherever I am.
WHEN?
I like to be on the street all the time, day or night, summer or winter, and be prepared for surprises. I even like to come home tired, sometimes empty-handed, not knowing what to expect. In order not to miss a moment, I always carry my camera in my purse, and by the way, I can say that I have gained a lot of arm muscle.
WHY?
As Saul Leither said, “I happen to believe in the beauty of simple things. I believe that the most uninteresting thing can be very interesting.” By adopting this saying as my philosophy, I try to discover those short moments and beauties in our daily rush.
I have taken part in various national and international exhibitions, Also, some of my photographs have been printed as book covers.
I am a member of the Turkuaz Street Collective and a founding member of Women in Street Turkey.