On February 6a 6.4 magnitude earthquake has ravaged parts of southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing dozens of thousands and leaving many more homeless. Two weeks later, a second earthquake struck Turkey’s Hatay province, bringing the death toll to more than 46,000 in both countries.
Responding to the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region, five visual artists with personal ties to Turkey they’ve thrown sale of photo prints sustain earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. In partnership with the American community foundation Turkish Philanthropy Funds, Six.Two Editions will donate the net proceeds of the sale to approved non-governmental organizations. More than 200 photographs by artists including Diana Markosian, Joel Sternfeld and Vanessa Winship, among others, are on sale for $150 through March 20.
Artists and organizers Civan Özkanoğlu, Devin Yalkin, Ebru Yıldız, Mitchell King and Yeliz Secerli felt called to do their part to help the earthquake victims. Previous campaigns like Photos for Elmhurstwhich raised money for Queens Hospital, New York in the spring of 2020, and States of Change, which raised money to help fight voter suppression in swing states during the 2020 presidential election, have inspired organizers to involve the photography community in earthquake relief efforts.
The organizers of Six.Two Editions tell Hyperallergic they originally planned a modest fundraiser, but their event grew in size.
“An initial feeling of helplessness quickly turned into the realization that many artists were ready to help and said yes wholeheartedly when we launched the initiative,” they said. said.
THE The United Nations reports that as of March 6, approximately 9.1 million people have been affected by the earthquakes and resulting damage. Rescue efforts have largely struggled as aid agencies and governments battle winter conditions and destroyed infrastructure to carry needed supplies. The situation is particularly precarious in Syria, a country already devastated by a 12 year civil war.
The organizers will send the product of the ten-day service to five Turkish organizations (Association Ahbap, Ali Ismail Korkmaz Vakfi (Alikev), Darusafaka Society, Kırkayak KultürAnd purple solidarity). The group also hopes to confirm five Syrian NGOs (Baytna Syria, Women Now for Development, White Helmets (Syrian Civil Defense)THE Association for Migration ResearchAnd Basmeh and Zeitooneh).
