by InTrieste
The Museo d’Arte Orientale has unveiled “Istanbul, Faces of Freedom: Between Past and Present,” an exhibit that juxtaposes 19th-century photography with contemporary works to present an evolving portrait of Istanbul. This exhibit, running through January 22, 2025, is a highlight of the annual Trieste Photo Days Festival and brings together the artistry of Slovenian photographer Manca Juvan with historical works from the city’s Fototeca, creating a vivid narrative of Istanbul’s timeless appeal.
Curated by Claudia Colecchia, director of Trieste’s Fototeca, with contributions from Francesca Avignone, curator at the Museo d’Arte Orientale, the exhibit is divided into two main sections. The first showcases Juvan’s evocative images of Istanbul’s landmark sites—the Bosphorus, the grand Hagia Sophia, and labyrinthine streets—reflecting both the city’s beauty and its dynamism. Her work is presented alongside 19th-century architectural images, including works by Domenico Pulgher, a Muggesan architect who contributed to Istanbul’s urban landscape.
The second section offers a contrasting view of Istanbul’s residents. Late 19th-century ethnographic portraits by Turkish photographer Pascal Sèbah and others reveal the allure of Orientalism, depicted in striking, static portraits. These historical images are juxtaposed with Juvan’s vibrant, modern portraits that capture Istanbul’s contemporary spirit in real-world settings, providing an anthropological lens on the evolving faces of Istanbul.
This exhibit underscores Istanbul’s enduring allure and its complex narrative—a city at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, captured by photographers separated by a century but united by their fascination with a city that defies easy definition.
For more information, visit museoarteorientaletrieste.it or contact museoarteorientale@comune.trieste.it.
