One of the world’s worst natural disasters in decades resulted when major earthquakes hit south-east Turkey and the north-west region of Syria on 6 February 2023. The effects of the earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks will be felt for years to come. There remains an urgent need for aid to help the large numbers of displaced and vulnerable families.

As a fine-art photographer I immediately felt that I could help by using my art to support charity efforts in both nations, even if it might only be a tiny drop in the ocean. I decided to photograph a special project and offer affordable signed art prints; the profits will be donated to UCIM www.ucim.org.tr.

Turkish artists, actors, dancers, performers and my crew collaborated in the project. Among others, they included the famous Turkish actress Berguzar Korel and Asya, a child survivor of the earthquake. Turkish designer Bora Aksu’s ethereal flowing dresses were perfect for making a poignant reference to night attire worn when the first earthquakes struck in that fateful night as all were thrown violently out of their beds and so many buried under collapsed buildings. 

The models float through the air, tranquil and serene… peaceful, in marked contrast to the time the disaster happened. The images are theatrical, but playful with sinister overtones of darkness and comprise my homage to the sufferers of the earthquakes. I hope that they will be appreciated as beautiful pieces of art and will contribute to support the earthquake victims.