The Lights of Istanbul is a new book featuring over black-and-white photographs by Jean-Michel Berts. Using methods created by Ansel Adams, Berts makes photographs with 10-minute exposures, a technique combining overexposure of the film and underdeveloping of the negative, creating very rich textures. The Light of Istanbul is available for pre-order at Assouline Boutiques worldwide, for $60/£45/€38.

Assouline Press Release

LIGHT OF ISTANBUL

Photographs by Jean-Michel Berts
Text by Alessandra Ricci

“I always try to give my photographs a feeling of timelessness…. I never know the photograph I’m going to make, the photograph comes to me, it finds me” — Jean-Michel Berts

“Istanbul, a universal beauty where poet and archeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner screams with same admiration. The whole world thinks that this city is the most beautiful place on earth.” — Edmondo de Amicis

Following the success of The Light of Paris, The Light of New York, and The Light of Tokyo, lensman Jean-Michel Berts turns his masterful eye to the ancient city of Istanbul. This exotic destination is revealed in Berts’ otherworldly black and white photographs, taken at dawn. The city’s renowned landmarks and hidden corners are captured as never before, framed by Berts’ camera obscura. With an evocative text by Alessandra Ricci, The Light of Istanbul is a spectacular volume on this enchanting city.

Jean-Michel Berts has been a photographer since the age of 16. With his first Rolleiflex camera he became sensitive to the effects of light. Using methods created by Ansel Adams, Berts makes photographs with 10-minute exposures, a technique combining overexposure of the film and underdeveloping of the negative, creating very rich textures. Today Berts enjoys an international reputation and exhibits his work at numerous art fairs around Europe. He has also worked on advertising campaigns for luxury brands such as Lancôme, Dior, Hermès, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Alessandra Ricci is Assistant Professor of Archaeology and History of Art at Koç University in Istanbul, with a Ph.D. from Princeton University; she has lived and worked in Turkey for the last 10 years. She has appeared in several television documentaries, including programs for CNN and the History Channel, and has written articles for newspapers including the Turkish Daily News and Corriere della Sera. Ricci is currently working on a book about life, architecture, and the archaeology of the Byzantine suburbs of Constantinople.

The Light of Istanbul is available for pre-order at ASSOULINE Boutiques worldwide and through www.assouline.com
Direct link to product page: http://www.assouline.com/9781614280309.html

13 x 17” / 35.2 x 43.4 cm – 132 pages – over 60 illustrations – hardcover with jacket –
ISBN: 978-1-61428-030-9 – $60 – £45 – €38

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