Ali Kepenek: “I am not familiar with Istanbul, I am in love with Berlin”
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 Ali Kepenek is one of the popular photographers in Germany. Although he travels back and forth between Berlin and London, Berlin—the city he grew up, is where his heart is. Nowadays, Kepenek is in the limelight due to two separate exhibitions. One is “Fiktion Okzident” exhibition in which 19 artists showcase their works at the Istanbul MSGSU Tophane-i Amire Culture and Art Center until November 26, and the other one is “Ali Kepenek/Max Snow – Lock, Stock, and Tearprops” exhibition that opened at the Duve Berlin art gallery in Berlin. Ali Kepenek answered our questions for Cut Magazine. Nowadays, you are in the limelight with two separate exhibitions? Can you tell us about them? The exhibition at the Duve includes several of my photographs; at the Istanbul exhibition I only have one single piece. It is a photo I worked five months on it, 7,2 meters by 3 meters in size. The exhibition at the Duve is joint exhibition with Max Snow. What would you like to say about that exhibition? What are your impressions? I feel relaxed and feel like I have used my energy to the end. I worked hard for both exhibition during the last five months, but I immediately involved in new projects afterwards. What can you tell about “Lock, Stock and Teardrops” both in terms of content and the idea? Pain exists there as an abstract content. Social experience (Riots in London) and personal experiences inextricably intertwined. In other words, “riots meet my own life”. Okay, let’s talk about “Fiktion Okzident”. Turkish-German joint cultural history reflected on the work of artists. The starting point of this project was the 50th anniversary of the German Guest Worker Program. What can you tell us about your participation? I did not want to say something cliché. I grew up in Berlin and I live in London. I was only interested in my own story, and in this sense it can be considered a typical story. Has this anniversary a special meaning for you? Well, if that period did not exist, then this interview would never have take place. So, you can decide if it has a special meaning or not. What kind of photographs do you like to take most? Fashion or art? I do not differentiate at all I love to take photos. Which photographers you glorify most? Cindy Sherman, Nan Goldin… Helmut Newton… Herbert List Who and/or what do influence your photography? Politics, music, fashion… I want to ask, why the portraits of famous people; and which artistic and aesthetic impulses you pursue? I do not only take portraits of famous people; if I did I would be extremely bored. Do you drink wine every day and every night, I do not… When a portrait is a good portrait? When it touches me. Do you have favorite photo? No… Do you prefer to take photos of people you love and admire? I equally respect everyone I photographed. What do you capture most in your photographs? Capture the moment. What is the key for a good photograph? The love for detail… What is more powerful than photography? I have no idea, you tell me… Which blog/magazine/Internet site you follow? I stay away from blogs and etc. I get my inspiration from the street. The street inspires all blogs. Berlin/London/Istanbul… Which city do you love most? I am in love with Berlin… I grew up here. My roots are here. London is my new big love… I have been there for six years. I am inspired by both of these cities. I am not familiar with Istanbul. I have not been able to go there for a long time due to my military service.
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